IPv6

1
IPv6

• Current version of the Internet Protocol is
  Version 4 (v4)
• Earlier versions were not implemented
• The next version will be Version 6 (v6)
• No v5 was implemented
• Informally called IPng (Next Generation)
• IPv6 is Already Defined
• Continuing improvements in v4 may delay its
  adoption

2
IPv6

• IPv6 will raise the size of the internet address
  from 32 bits to 128 bits
• Now running out of IP addresses
• Will solve the problem
• But current work-arounds are delaying the need
  for IPv6 addresses

3
IPv6

• Improved Security
• But, through IPsec, v4 is being upgraded in
  security as well
• Improved Quality of Service (QoS)
• But under IETF Differentiated Services (diffserv)
  initiative, IPv4 is being upgraded in this area
  as well

4
IPv6

• Extension Headers
• IPv4 Headers are complex
• IPv6 basic header is simple
• Extension headers for options

Basic Header
Extension Header 1
Extension Header 2
5
IPv6

• Extension Headers
• Basic header has 8-bit Next Header field
• Identifies first extension header or says that
  payload follows

Basic Header
NH
Extension Header 1
Extension Header 2
6
IPv6

• Extension Headers
• Each extension header also has 8-bit Next Header
  field
• Identifies next extension header or says that
  payload follows

Basic Header
Extension Header 1
NH
Extension Header 2
7
IPv6

• Extension Headers
• Next header field is an elegant way to allow
  options
• Easy to add new extension headers for new needs

Basic Header
Extension Header 1
NH
Extension Header 2