In todays world the need for devices connectivity continues to grow rapidly, As I look around my house, I count over 25 devices that require an IP Address and internet connection, Long gone are the days of just having the one desktop computer in the household.
The need for more IP Address was the driving force behind the implementation of IPv6.
Pros
-IPv6 provides 3.4×10^38 IPv6 address .
-Broadcast are no longer used as IPv6 uses multicast to communicated with multiple host simultaneously reducing network bandwidth requirements.
-NAT/PAT no longer needed: The IPv6 Address space is so large that is has removed the need to use NAT/PAT making routing more efficient.
-Address assignment features: includes stateless auto configuration and DHCP for dynamic address assignment.
-Aggregation: makes for much easier aggregation of IP address blocks, making for more efficient routing on the internet .
-Mobility support built in: Devices can retain there IPv6 address and not lose current Application sessions whilst moving around an internetwork.
-IPSEC: requires that all IPv6 devices be able to support IPsec.
-Routing efficiency : IPv6 reduces the size of routing tables making routing more efficient.
No requirement for to perform Subnetting.
Cons
-Learning an new format of IP Addressing ,it took forever for me to understand IPv4.
-Checking equipment for IPv6 Compatibility before purchasing and implementation .
-Learning IPv6 command line on Routers and switches.
The Pro’s of using IPv6 certainly out number the Cons however even with this Companies are not rushing out to implement IPv6 within there organisations .
Wallace, K. (2015). CCNP Routing and Switching Route 300-101 Official Cert Guide. Indianapolis: Cisco Press
Pyles, J. Carrell, J.L. Tittel, E. (2013). Guide to TCP/IP: IPv6 and IPv4 (Fifth Edition). Boston:CENGAGE Learning
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