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RFC · IPv6Standard explained

RFC 2460: IPv6: A larger address space and a simpler header

Summary

RFC 2460 specifies the original IPv6 base with 128-bit addresses, extension headers and a new fragmentation logic. RFC 2460 was superseded by RFC 8200. IPv6 fixes architectural limits without automatically solving all operational problems.

Ideas

  • 128-bit addresses remove any practical address shortage.
  • Routers do not fragment IPv6 packets along the way.
  • Extension headers keep optional functions out of the base header.

Insights

  • End-to-end addressing becomes practical again.

Remarks

  • RFC 2460 has the status “Draft Standard”; current errata and successor documents should also be checked.

Recommendations

  • Use RFC 8200 as the current successor.
  • Test IPv6 on equal terms with IPv4 instead of as a later add-on.

References

Read the RFC at the RFC Editor

Search the Web Archive

RFC · 2017

RFC 8200: The IPv6 base standard

RFC 8200 replaces the original IPv6 specification and consolidates the matured base standard. An Internet Standard can become more precise through operational experience without changing its architecture. Deploying IPv6 requires full support in security and monitoring.

RFC · 2006

RFC 4291: IPv6 addressing architecture

RFC 4291 organises IPv6 unicast, anycast and multicast addresses as well as prefix notation. Address types map communication scope directly into the architecture. A large address space still requires disciplined planning.

Hostblogger · 2018

Rolling out IPv6 quietly on a web hosting platform

Manuel Schmitt reports on the gradual IPv6 rollout for all existing and new web hosting packages and their domains. Since December 2018, all old and new web hosting packages had been reachable via IPv6. The rollout covered all associated domains.