IPv6 Address Expression and Examples
Unlike the 32-bit with four 8-bit fields of IPv4 address, separated by dots; IPv6 processes a larger, 128-bit and uses colons to separate its 16-bit hexadecimal entries.
Below explains how to shorten the IPv6 address:
Lets use the IPv6 address:
2041:0000:130F:0000:0000:07C0:853A:140B.
The Leading zeros in a field are optional. That means: the field 07C0 equals 7C0, and the field 0000 can be written as 0.
So, the above IPv6 address: 2041:0000:130F:0000:0000:07C0:853A:140B can be written as :
2041:0:130F:0000:0000:7C0:853A:140B.
In addition, the fields of zeros can be represented as two colons ” :: “. like so:
This 2041:0:130F:0000:0000:7C0:853A:140B
can also be written as:
2041:0:130F:: 7C0:853A:140B. (with the field of 0s represented by colons)
IPv6 Address Blocks:
IPv6 addresses are divided into blocks separated by colons. Each block represents 16 bits.
Example: 2001:0db8:85a3::1
Loopback Address:
The IPv6 loopback address is ::1, equivalent to IPv4’s 127.0.0.1.
Link-Local Addresses:
Link-local addresses start with fe80:: and are often automatically assigned to network interfaces for communication on a local subnet.
Examples:
Global Unicast Address:
2001:0db8:3c4d:0015:0000:0000:1a2f:1a2b
Compressed Global Unicast Address:
2001:0db8:3c4d:15::1a2f:1a2b
Link-Local Address:
fe80::1
Loopback Address:
::1
Multicast Address:
ff02::1
Unique Local Address (Private):
fc00::1
Keep in mind, when working with IPv6 addresses, leading zeroes in each 16-bit block can be omitted, and uppercase or lowercase letters in the hexadecimal digits are interchangeable.
IPv6 addresses play a vital role in accommodating the growing number of devices connected to the internet and overcoming the limitations of IPv4 addresses. The adoption of IPv6 is crucial for the continued expansion of the global network.
Why We Need IPv6. Types of IPv6 Address
How to Configure IPv6 on Cisco Router. IPv6 Routing Protocols.
