IPv6
IPv6, or Internet Protocol Version 6, is the latest generation of the Internet Protocol. It was developed to overcome the limitations of IPv4 and meet the growing demand for IP addresses. The switch to IPv6 is necessary because the number of available IPv4 addresses will soon be exhausted due to the exponential growth of Internet-enabled devices and services.
Technical features
Larger address space
IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses compared to the 32-bit addresses of IPv4, which creates a theoretical possibility of 3.4 x 10^38 unique IP addresses. This is crucial to meet the demand for more addresses and ensures that every device worldwide can be given a unique address.
The hierarchical structuring of IPv6 addresses simplifies routing tables and improves network performance. This leads to more efficient data transmission and increases the scalability of the Internet.
Automatic network configuration
Another advantage of IPv6 is the ability to automatically configure network devices, which makes it easy to set up and manage networks. This can be realised using Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC) and DHCPv6.
The Centro Business supports IPv6 native with the following configurations:
SLAAC (Stateless Address Autoconfiguration) SLAAC enables devices to assign themselves an IPv6 address independently. This is done by receiving Router Advertisement messages from the Centro Business Router in the network. The process ensures that the address is unique and globally accessible.
DHCPv6 DHCPv6 (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol for IPv6) provides the ability to centrally manage a network by providing specific configurations for IPv6 addressing and other network settings.
SLAAC & DHCPv6 The combination of SLAAC and DHCPv6 offers the advantages of both methods. Devices can obtain their base address through SLAAC, while additional network information such as DNS and domain information is provided by DHCPv6.
FAQ - IPv6
How can I determine whether my network supports IPv6?
You can check your devices and network settings to see if IPv6 addresses are being used. Many operating systems support IPv6.
What are the main differences between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv6 offers a larger address space, more efficient routing, integrated security through IPsec and improved functions for automatic configuration, while IPv4 is subject to severe limitations in terms of address availability and security.
What is the main objective of IPv6?
The main goal of IPv6 is to solve the fundamental problem of IP address scarcity and to strengthen the infrastructure of the Internet for future growth. With a larger address space and modern functions, IPv6 ensures the continuity and expandability of the Internet while enabling new technologies and applications.
How large is the assigned prefix?
Swisscom provides a /48 prefix for every connection with IPv6.
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