Connecting to a Remote MySQL Server via IPv6 Using MySQL Workbench on Windows

MySQL Workbench is a unified visual tool for database architects, developers, and DBAs. MySQL Workbench provides data modeling, SQL development, and comprehensive administration tools for server configuration, user administration, backup, and much more. MySQL Workbench is available on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X.

When using MySQL Workbench 8.0 CE on a Windows platform to connect to a remote MySQL server via the Standard TCP/IP over SSH connection method, you may encounter an error if you specify an IPv6 address as the SSH Hostname. This error typically manifests as a message indicating that an external component has failed. Fortunately, there is a simple workaround to resolve this issue temporarily by editing the Windows hosts file.

Understanding the Problem

MySQL Workbench sometimes struggles to handle raw IPv6 addresses directly when establishing an SSH connection. This limitation can lead to connection failures or errors even when the server’s IPv6 address and credentials are correct. By leveraging the Windows hosts file, you can define a static mapping between the IPv6 address and a hostname, bypassing this limitation.

Temporary Workaround: Editing the hosts File

Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

1. Open the hosts File with Administrator Privileges
   The hosts file on Windows is located at:
   C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
   Use a text editor (like Notepad) with administrative privileges to open this file. To do this:
   • Search for “Notepad” in the Start menu.
   • Right-click on it and select “Run as administrator.”
   • Navigate to the file location and open the hosts file.
2. Add a Static Mapping for the IPv6 Address
   In the file, add a line mapping the IPv6 address to a custom hostname. For example:

2606:0000::0000:0000::1 hostname.my-domain.com  

• Replace 2606:0000::0000:0000::1 with the actual IPv6 address of your server.Replace hostname.my-domain.com with a custom hostname of your choice. Note that this hostname does not need to correspond to a real domain; it is only for local use on your machine.
• Important: Do not use the names of widely used websites (e.g., www.google.com), as this could disrupt access to those services until the entry is removed from the hosts file.

3. Use the Hostname in MySQL Workbench
   In MySQL Workbench, enter the custom hostname (e.g., hostname.my-domain.com) in the SSH Hostname field instead of the raw IPv6 address. Proceed with the rest of your connection details as usual.

Why This Works

The Windows hosts file serves a similar purpose to the /etc/hosts file on Linux systems. It allows for manual, static mappings of IP addresses to hostnames, overriding DNS for the local machine. By defining a hostname for the IPv6 address in this file, you enable MySQL Workbench to handle the connection seamlessly, bypassing its limitations with raw IPv6 addresses.

Considerations and Warnings

• Temporary Nature: This solution is intended as a temporary fix. If the issue persists, consider reporting it to the MySQL Workbench development team or searching for updates that address IPv6 handling.
• Use Unique Hostnames: Avoid using hostnames that correspond to real, frequently accessed domains, as it could interfere with other applications or browsing activities.
• Revert Changes When Done: Once you no longer need the static mapping, remove the corresponding line from the hosts file to prevent unintended consequences.

By using the hosts file, you can work around MySQL Workbench’s limitations with IPv6 addresses and continue to manage your MySQL servers without interruption.