1.9 CONCLUSION

In discussing IPv6, we must first look at the idea that the IPv4 addressing scheme is inadequate to meet the addressing needs of a globally growing Internet. One of the main benefits that this protocol offers far expanded addressing capabilities. In this chapter we have also discussed multicast routing and have dealt with all of the enhancements that this protocol offers.

IPv6 has been carefully overviewed with respect to extension headers, the exact header order, routing header, and fragment header and composition. Further, there are certain aspects we must carefully examine including error and alternate conditions.

One of the main aspects include security and how this protocol will provide a mechanism for transition from the old addressing scheme to the new version 6 method. The address format and configuration for IPv4 and IPv6 are specifically outline to foster the illustration which compares these two protocols and offers a new method to achieve an up to date method of mapping the Internet. We then proceed with IPv6 implementation and tunneling to make certain that your understanding of IPv6 is complete in this introductory section.

The next sections of this text will look at various aspects in which IPv6 can work in several operating systems. In determining the best method in which IPv6 works as the next generation of Internet protocol you can use the specifics to benefit your Internet installation.

Figure 1.9: IPv4 Header Format Measurement