IPv6 Address Types
The IP address requirements for IPv4 hosts differ significantly from those for IPv6 hosts. An IPv6 host can have multiple IP addresses, while an IPv4 host typically uses only one. There are three main categories of IPv6 addresses:
- Unicast: Single interface address. When a packet is sent to a unicast address, the interface with that address receives it.
- Anycast: A group of interface addresses, often belonging to different nodes. The routing protocol used determines the nearest interface over which packets sent to anycast addresses are delivered. This interface can be identified by an anycast address.
- Multicast: An address for a collection of interfaces (within a certain range). Usually sent from different nodes. When a packet is sent to a multicast address, all interfaces listed in this range will receive it.
What is IPv6 Address Planning?
Prerequisites: Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) and what is IPv6?
A new IP protocol, called Internet Protocol (IP) version 6, is intended to replace IP version 4, which is currently in use and deployed worldwide. The latest IP version, IPv4, has proven to be reliable, easy to implement, and easy to use. It is interoperable and has passed the tests that make the internet a real global utility. However, the original design of IPv4 did not consider the following situations:
- Requirements for IP-level security.
- The rapid expansion of the internet and depletion of IPv4 address space.
- Need for easier auto-configuration and renumbering of network devices.
- Requirements for real-time data delivery also called quality of service.
With the help of methods such as Network Address Translation and private address spaces, IPv4’s life has been extended (NAT). While these methods appear to extend the address space and accommodate traditional client/server configurations, they do not meet the demands of increasing IP addresses. IP address translation, pooling, and temporary assignment techniques cannot be used to connect to always-on environments (such as private internet via broadband, cable modem, or DSL). Additionally, plug-and-play requirements for consumer Internet devices are in addition to address requirements. The IPv6 address space offers more addresses but should be used with caution. You can successfully deploy IPv6 using your existing IPv4 infrastructure. Converting from IP version 4 to IP version 6 is still possible today with proper planning and design.
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