IPv6
Internet Protocol version 6 ”” the successor to IPv4, using 128-bit addresses to support a vastly larger address space.
Also: Internet Protocol version 6
Definition
IPv6 is the sixth version of the Internet Protocol, designed to succeed IPv4 and address the depletion of available IPv4 addresses. IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (expressed in hexadecimal) providing approximately 340 undecillion unique addresses compared to IPv4's 4.3 billion. IPv6 also introduces improvements in routing efficiency, built-in IPSec support for security, and simplified header format. Adoption has been gradual, with most modern networks supporting dual-stack (IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously).
Example
“An IPv6 address such as 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334 uniquely identifies a device in the modern internet with no risk of address exhaustion.”
Usage Examples
- 1
“The team applied ipv6 best practices to improve their networking outcomes significantly.”
- 2
“Understanding ipv6 is essential for anyone building a career in IT & Technology.”
When & How to Use
Use 'IPv6' when working in Networking contexts where ipv6 is the sixth version of the internet protocol, designed to succeed ipv4 and address the depletion of available ipv4 addresses.
- ▸Applying ipv6 principles during a networking project or initiative
- ▸Explaining ipv6 to a junior team member or stakeholder unfamiliar with IT & Technology
- ▸Evaluating options or proposals using ipv6 as a decision-making criterion
Etymology & Origin
The term 'IPv6' derives from professional usage and entered IT & Technology professional usage as the field formalised in the 20th century.
History & Evolution
The concept of ipv6 has evolved alongside IT & Technology. Early practitioners relied on informal methods; structured approaches emerged with the professionalisation of networking in the mid-20th century. Today, ipv6 is a standard part of IT & Technology practice globally.
Synonyms
- next-generation IP
- 128-bit addressing
- IP version 6
Antonyms / Opposites
- IPv4
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Related Terms
- ip-address
- nat
- ipv4
- dual-stack