In the modern digital world is the Internet become an essential part of our lives. Do you know what powers the Internet? It is that Internet Protocol, Und die latest version of it is IPv6. In this article I will discuss the »IPv6 Basics« and try to give you a deeper insight into this complex but fascinating topic. So make yourself comfortable and let's begin the journey.
IPv6 basics
What is IPv6?
Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) is the latest version of the Internet Protocol (IP). communication protocol, which powers the Internet. IPv6 was designed to address the limitations and shortcomings of IPv4, like the lack of IP addresses, to overcome. The Architecture of IPv6 is designed to support a larger number of users and devices on the Internet.
Why do we need IPv6?
With the rapid increase in devices that a Internet connection need, it was foreseeable that IPv4 addresses would not be enough. IPv6, with his almost unlimited supply of IP addresses, is the answer to this problem. It also offers improved features such as built-in Safety and better performance.
The differences between IPv4 and IPv6
Comparison of address structures
IPv4 uses one 32-bit address structurethat about 4 billion clear Addresses allows. IPv6 however, uses one 64-bit or even 128-bit address structure, what a almost unlimited number from IP addresses enabled. (approx. 340 sextillion, or 340 with 36 zeros IP addresses)
Performance differences
Thanks to the simple and efficient Header structure, in the IPv6 is used, can data packets faster and more efficient about the Network be transported. This results in improved performance compared to IPv4.
How does IPv6 work?
IPv6 addressing explained
An IPv6 address consists of eight groups of each 4 hexadecimal Digits. Each group will go through colons separated. In contrast, there is one IPv4 address from four decimal numbers, which are separated by dots.
IPv6 packet structure
IPv6 uses a simple and efficient package structure, which improves performance and that Routing and the forwarding of packages simplified. In comparison, this is Package structure from IPv4 more complex and less efficient.
IPv6 and its impact on the Internet
Almost unlimited addresses
With IPv6 we now have practical unlimited IP addresses available. This means we can connect more devices than ever before, which means potential for the growth of the Internet increased enormously.
Improved connectivity and performance
With IPv6 devices can be more efficient communicate with each other. This not only improves the connectivity, but also the Performance and Speed of the Internet.
Notation of IPv6 addresses
An IPv6 address For example, it could look like this:
2001:0abc:1234:0000:0000:abcd:5678:90ef
This complete representation of one IPv6 address can quite at first glance intimidating works. Fortunately, there are certain ones Regulate, which allow an IPv6 address to simplify and thus the handling and legibility to improve.
Elimination of leading zeros: Within each 16-bit group can we leading zeros omitting. That means, 'XNUM X abc'can be simply as'a B C' to be written. Applying this rule to our example we get:
2001:abc:1234:0000:0000:abcd:5678:90ef
Replacing null groups: One or more successive groups of zeros can be replaced with "::". However, this abbreviation can only be used once in an address to ensure unique addresses. So the above address could be abbreviated like this:
2001:abc:1234::abcd:5678:90ef
By applying these two Regulate will the IPv6 address clear shortened and easier to read and to write. But be careful! The "::" can only appear once in an address, otherwise the address would be no longer clear and it could lead to confusion.
The simplification the spelling of IPv6 addresses is a important aspect for the practical handling of IPv6 in networks. She relieved Network administrators and IT professionals dealing with the extensive and complex IPv6 addresses.
IPv6 interface addresses
An IPv6 interface can have multiple IPv6 addresses. Here are the types of IPv6 addresses an interface can have:
- Unicast address: A unicast address identifies a single one Network interface. One delivers a packet sent to a unicast address to the Interface, which is identified with this address.
- Multicast address: A multicast address identifies a group of interfaces, which may be on several Node belong. A package sent to a Multicast address sent will be delivered to all interfaces in the group.
- Anycast address: One Anycast address identifies one Group of interfaces, which may belong on multiple nodes. A packet sent to an anycast address is delivered to the interface that is closest (according to some criterion).
Each IPv6 interface has at least one Link-local unicast address. Furthermore, an interface can provide additional Unicast addresses, Multicast addresses and Anycast addresses to have.
NAT/PAT and CGN under IPv6
What is NAT/PAT?
In IPv4 networks technologies are often used Network Address Translation (NAT) and Port Address Translation (PAT). They allow multiple devices in one local Network, a single public one IPv4 address to share. This allows them to communicate with each other and with the Internet.
The role of NAT/PAT under IPv6
When developing IPv6 The lack of addresses in IPv4 was explicitly taken into account. With an almost unlimited number of addresses available with IPv6, the need for NAT/PAT largely eliminated. Every device can do one unique public IPv6 address have, which makes communication easier and more efficient.
What is CGN?
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) use the Technology Carrier Grade NAT (CGN)to solve the problem IPv4 address shortage to overcome. It allows ISPs to provide private IPv4 addresses for end customers use and map them to a smaller number of public IPv4 addresses.
The role of CGN under IPv6
Similar to NAT/PAT is also the necessity of CGN under IPv6 largely eliminated. Due to the enormous number of available IPv6 addresses Each end-user device can be assigned a public address. This not only makes that easier Routing and the Management of traffic, but also improves performance and Safety.
And finally ... The introduction of IPv6 has solved many of the problems, which occur in IPv4 networks through the use of technologies such as NAT/PAT and CGN. With his improved addressing and simplified communication IPv6 offers one more robust and efficient solution for networking and communication in our increasingly connected world.
Definitions of terms for IPv6
Here are some important terms to help you Basics from IPv6 to understand better.
IPv6 address
You use one 128-bit numberto combine devices in one IPv6 network to be clearly identified. This 128-bit number is an IPv6 address. Each IPv6 address consists of eight groups of 4 hexadecimal digits separated by colons.
prefix
A prefix in IPv6 is part of one The IP addresswho that Network or Subpower supply identified by the address. It's comparable to that Network part IPv4 address. The prefix is often used together with the Prefix length specified, for example 2022:d2b8::/17.
Interface ID
The Interface ID in IPv6 is the clear one identifier one device in one Subnet. She is comparable to that Host Part of one IPv4 address and forms the last part of the IPv6 address.
Link local address
Link-local addresses in IPv6 are special addresses that are only for the Communication within an individual network segment (Link) are determined. You can't have them through different ones network segments route away.
Global unicast address
One uses global unicast addresses in IPv6, the public IP addresses are, for whom Communication over the internet. They are comparable to public ones IPv4 addresses.
Anycast address
An Anycast address in IPv6 is an address assigned to multiple devices. The device closest to the transmitter receives a packet that is sent to an anycast address.
Multicast address
An Multicast address in IPv6 is an address assigned to multiple devices. A multicast address receives a package and delivers it to all devices that belong to the multicast group.
Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC)
In IPv6 makes it possible SLAAC mechanism devices, their own The IP address to configure automatically without one DHCP server to need.
Node
A pair of node means any device that IPv6 addresses used and on one IPv6 network participates. A node can either be a Host or a Router .
Router
A pair of Router in you IPv6 network is a device that transfers packets between different networks forwards. Router use Routing tables and -Protocolsto find the best way to transmission from packages to determine.
Host
A host in one IPv6 network is a device (e.g. a Desktop, Server & Hosting, Smartphone), which sends and receives information. As opposed to routers conduct Hosts usually no packages to others Network continue.
Link
A pair of Link in you IPv6 network denotes one Network Connection, which connects two or more nodes together. Everyone Link has one of its own Link local address.
Package
A package is the basic unit of Data transmission in you IPv6 network. A package consists of one Header, Information such as the source and destination address contains, and one Payload, which is the actual data to be transferred data contains.
Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU)
The Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) defines the maximum size of a data package, to be there Network without fragmentation can send. In IPv6 networks is the minimum MTU 1280 bytes, with larger MTUs for more efficient transmissions can worry.
Knowing these terms is crucial to understanding how the IPv6 and the advantages it has over previous versions of the Internet protocol offers to fully understand.
Assignment of IPv6 addresses
The awarding of IPv6 addresses takes place in one structured and hierarchical proceduresin order to reduce efficient use of the extended address space.
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)
The highest level of the hierarchy forms the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). This organization is for them global coordination of IP address assignment responsible. She forgives large blocks of IPv6 addresses to the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs).
Regional Internet Registries (RIRs)
The five RIRs (AfriNIC, APNIC, ARIN, LACNIC and RIPE NCC) are responsible for specific geographical regions. They forgive smaller blocks of IPv6 addresses an Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other Network organizations in their respective regions.
Internet service providers (ISPs) and network organizations
ISPs and other network organizations (netcup, Mittwald, Strato etc.) then share individually IPv6 addresses or smaller blocks of IPv6 addresses at yours customers to. For larger organizations or companies, the IP addresses can be assigned internally by the Network administrator respectively.
Automatic address assignment
Within one network can the award of IPv6 addresses to individual devices (e.g. Desktop, printer, Smartphones) occur automatically. This happens either via Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC) or about that Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol for IPv6 (DHCPv6).
This hierarchical approach to assigning IPv6 addresses ensures efficient use of the expanded address space, simplifies routing on the Internet and supports the decentralization of address assignment.
FAQ
Is IPv6 faster than IPv4?
Yes, in many cases it is IPv6 faster than IPv4, as there is one more efficient packet handling and less network latency offers.
Can I use IPv6 on my home router?
Yes, most modern ones Home routers support IPv6. However, you may need to add it to yours Router Activate settings.
Does IPv6 make the Internet more secure?
Yes, IPv6 offers several built-in security features, including support from IPSec (Internet Protocol Security).
Conclusion
IPv6 has the potential, the Internet too revolutionize. With its improved features and almost unlimited addresses, it opens up a world of possibilities for us. It is up to us how we use this potential and make the most of it. I hope this one Article the "IPv6 basics« for you and makes it easier for you to enter this exciting new world Internet protocols.
