Main features IPv6

decomposition of ipv6 address representation binary form

ipv6 internet layer protocol packet-switched internetworking , provides end-to-end datagram transmission across multiple ip networks, closely adhering design principles developed in previous version of protocol, internet protocol version 4 (ipv4). ipv6 first formally described in internet standard document rfc 1883, published in december 1995. obsoleted , replaced rfc 2460, published in december 1998. in july 2017 specification obsoleted , replaced rfc 8200.

in addition offering more addresses, ipv6 implements features not present in ipv4. simplifies aspects of address assignment (stateless address autoconfiguration), network renumbering, , router announcements when changing network connectivity providers. simplifies processing of packets in routers placing responsibility packet fragmentation end points. ipv6 subnet size standardized fixing size of host identifier portion of address 64 bits facilitate automatic mechanism forming host identifier link layer addressing information (mac address). network security design requirement of ipv6 architecture, , included original specification of ipsec.

ipv6 not specify interoperability features ipv4, creates parallel, independent network. exchanging traffic between 2 networks requires translator gateways employing 1 of several transition mechanisms, such nat64, or tunneling protocol 6to4, 6in4, or teredo.