IPv6 is a new version of the IP protocol, designed to solve the problems encountered with IPv4. Today it is in active use and very widespread across many networks around the world. In some countries it is not yet so popular and is still in test mode with a small number of providers. When the address space of IPv4 is exhausted, the IPv4 and IPv6 protocols will operate side by side, with the latter's share of traffic gradually increasing.
How to configure IPv6
Many configuration tasks are exactly the same as for IPv4 addresses, although the addresses you enter are longer. The configuration depends on which connection method is chosen. It can be configured by setting the IP address manually. This usually applies to servers, routers and other devices that have static IP addresses.
As a rule, however, you do not have to fill in IP addresses manually to configure this protocol. Almost all providers use a DHCPv6 server with dynamic IP addresses. That is, each PC is assigned a temporary personal address valid for one session. On the next connection, a new IP address is assigned again.
So, to configure this protocol, you simply need to tick the boxes for automatic configuration of IP addresses and DNS addresses. If automatic configuration is unavailable but the OS supports IPv6, the IP address will be assigned automatically, while the DNS server address will have to be entered manually.
How does IPv6 differ from IPv4?
The main difference lies in the IP allocation system and a more reliable security model, namely:
- A larger address space;
- Address autoconfiguration;
- Multicast transmission;
- Link-local addresses;
- Jumbograms;
- Improved security;
- Network density;
- A simplified workflow for routers.
How to connect to IPv6?
Here are 4 connection options to consider.
- 6to4. This method is convenient when you have no IPv6 but do have a clean, unchanging IPv4 address. It is the easiest and fastest way to attach a subnet of IPv6 addresses to IPv4. There is one drawback, though: if you have a dynamic IPv4 address, your IPv6 address will change whenever it does.
- Tunnel broker. This method is used when your internet service provider works without NAT. Its IPv4 is clean, but dynamic.
The inconveniences of this method:
- you have to register a profile on the broker's website
- every time your dynamic IP address changes, you have to notify the broker about it. - Teredo. In some cases providers deliver internet access only through their own IPv4 NAT. In that case you can connect to IPv6 using the Teredo system, which was designed specifically to work under such circumstances.
- A direct connection through your service provider.