Network Prefix
Prefixes are denoted in IPv6 and roughly correspond to subnets in IPv4 terminology. The left-hand bits of the IPv6 prefix act as a network ID. Similar to how IPv4 addresses are represented in Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) notations, IPv6 prefixes are represented using the IPv6 prefix or prefix length format. The number of consecutive high-order bits that make up the prefix (the network portion of the address) is represented as a decimal value by the /prefix-length variable. For example, the IPv6 prefix 2001:ef8:8086:6502::/64 is accepted.
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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