Networking & Internet
IPv6
Definition
Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol (IP). It is designed to replace IPv4. IPv6 addresses are 128-bit numbers.
Why It Matters
IPv6 solves the problem of IPv4 address exhaustion. Its 128-bit address space is so vast (2 to the power of 128) that it can provide a unique address for every conceivable device on the planet for the foreseeable future. It also includes other improvements in routing and network autoconfiguration.
Contextual Example
An IPv6 address is written as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits, separated by colons, such as `2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334`.
Common Misunderstandings
- The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 has been slow and is still ongoing. The two protocols will coexist for many years.
- IPv6 eliminates the need for NAT, allowing for true end-to-end connectivity.