Overview
IPv6 was developed to replace IPv4 and solve the address exhaustion problem. It provides approximately 3.4 x 10^38 unique addresses, enough for every atom on the surface of the Earth to have its own IP.
Key Features
- Simplified Header: Improves routing efficiency.
- SLAAC: Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (devices can generate their own IP).
- Built-in Security: IPsec support is mandatory in the specification.
- No NAT Required: Every device can have a unique public address.
Notation
Uses hexadecimal digits separated by colons (e.g., fe80::1). Double colons can be used to compress consecutive zeros.