IPv6 full definition
The sixth iteration of IP, or the internet protocol, is IPv6. In order for a device to send and receive data from a host to a destination, it must abide by a set of rules known as IPs. We require identifying hosts, their geographic coordinates, IP addresses, and a communication path.
Back to IPv6, which has been around since 1995 forever! The odd thing is that there has been a shortage of available IPv4 addresses, along with other issues. Even still, the majority of companies continue to utilize IPv4. Furthermore, it is now a recognized Internet Standard (IETF) that Internet Protocol version 6 usage will soon begin to increase.
IPv6 types
There are no broadcast addresses in Internet Protocol Version 6, even though IPv6 addresses come in various sizes and formats. Here are some of the most well-known:
- Unicast address
The unicast address specifies a single interface. A packet transmitted to a destination with a unicast address moves from one host to the other.
- Anycast address
An anycast address designates a collection of interfaces that may be spread out across several places, but all share the same address.
- Multicast address
The multicast address designates a group of interfaces, sometimes distributed across several sites.
Personalized Addresses
For IPv6, there are more unique addresses. Global unicast addresses, which are distinct and internationally recognizable, are the IPv6 counterpart of IPv4 public addresses. Internet Protocol version 6 hosts talking over a connection utilize link-local addresses. Globally unique addresses that are solely used for local communication are known as unique-local addresses.
IPv6 versus IPv4
- The new IPv6 can offer more than enough accessible IP addresses because of the 128-bit addresses.
- IPSec is a fantastic innovation as well. It is an authentication technique that secures the connection. Additionally, it verifies who sent the packets. The receiver may now verify the source of the data, thanks to this.
- Stateless Address Auto-Configuration, or SLAAC. You can apply the SLAAC in networks that use Internet Protocol version 6. It will offer automatic configuration for new hosts, negating the requirement for a DHCP server. However, IPv6 addresses can still be used in conjunction with DHCP.
- The fragmentation of the packets is no longer an issue. It occurred with the prior IPv4 address and caused a number of issues.
Conclusion
You now have a better understanding of IPv6. To summarize, it is intended to replace IPv4. IPv6 addresses come in three flavors: unicast, multicast, and anycast. Additionally, it addresses IPv4’s shortcomings and adds new improvements like ICMPv6. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to give it a try!