Short answer: An ISP or hoster can use a /32 as a structured pool for customer /48s and smaller /56 assignments. A /29 contains eight /32s and suits a larger documented allocation plan. Choose the prefix from customer, site and routing needs.
Understand the prefix sizes
A /32 contains 65,536 /48 prefixes. Each /48 contains 256 /56 prefixes, and each /56 contains 256 /64 subnets. These are capacities, not instructions to allocate every subnet. Leave room for growth, aggregation and infrastructure.
Example: organise a /32
Reserve a documented range for routers, loopbacks and shared services. Divide the remaining pool into aligned customer blocks. A multi-site customer or campus may receive a /48; a smaller site may receive a /56 where that size fits its needs. Keep an allocation ledger and prevent overlaps.
- Infrastructure: reserve a range for network services.
- Customer pools: allocate /48s to customers that need multiple sites or delegated subnet control.
- Smaller sites: allocate /56s where appropriate.
- Growth reserve: retain unassigned space for expansion and redesign.
When a /29 is justified
A /29 contains eight /32s. An ISP with separate regional pools, acquired networks or several large downstream allocation programmes may prefer a /29. It is not automatically better: first show why one /32 is insufficient.
Published lease prices
An IPv6 /32 is €29 per month excluding VAT, with the first 3 months (€87) paid upfront. An IPv6 /29 is €149 per month, or €134 monthly equivalent with €1,608 prepaid for 12 months. The /29 prepayment is a separate billing option; all prices exclude VAT. See IPv6 /32 and /29 leasing details and the full price list.
Routing and customer delegation
Internal allocation is separate from Internet route origination. Decide which aggregate to announce, which ASN originates it and whether customers receive provider-assigned space or separately routed prefixes. Coordinate ROA maxLength with the announcement plan and keep route6 and upstream IRR requirements consistent. Read the IPv6 routing checklist and the ROA guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many /48 prefixes fit inside a /32?
A /32 contains 65,536 /48 prefixes. This is mathematical capacity, not a recommendation to allocate every subnet or announce each one separately.
Should customers receive a /48 or /56?
Choose a size that fits the customer's sites and subnet plan. A /48 contains 256 /56s; a /56 may suit a smaller site. Document a consistent allocation policy.
When should an ISP choose /29 instead of /32?
A /29 contains eight /32s. It may suit several large regions or downstream allocation programmes. A /32 already contains many /48s, so document why one /32 is insufficient.
What does an IPv6 /32 lease cost?
The published price is €29 per month excluding VAT, with the first 3 months (€87) paid upfront.
What does an IPv6 /29 lease cost?
The monthly option is €149 per month, or €134 monthly equivalent with €1,608 prepaid for 12 months. Prices exclude VAT.
Can every customer /48 be announced separately?
Not necessarily. Agree aggregation and BGP policy with your upstream. ROA maxLength, route6 and actual announcements must match the design.
Prepare your own ASN, upstream and customer allocation plan, then request an IPv6 /32 review. If your plan needs eight /32s, review aggregate IPv6 inventory and ask about /29.