IPv6 Essentials, 2nd Edition

Chapter 12. Get Your Hands Dirty

This chapter is your quick-start guide to using different IPv6 stacks. Mastering technology is not done by reading about it, so get your hands dirty and play with it. You have plenty of options.

This chapter offers an overview of some common stacks that can be used. It is not a complete list. I decided to focus on Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, Sun Solaris, BSD, and a Linux implementation in the beginning. This chapter describes where to get the stacks and how to install them, and lists the most common utilities for configuring and troubleshooting IPv6. Once you are familiar with one of the stacks, you will have no problems applying your know-how to other stacks.

Linux

There are a number of different Linux distributions on the market, all based on the same kernel and identified by its version number. The Linux kernel has supported IPv6 since version 2.2.x.

Tip

For the most actual kernel consult the homepage of your distributor or have a look at http://www.kernel.org.

Where to Get Linux

Most of the common Linux distributions can be downloaded from the Internet, but they can also be purchased from the sales channels of their respective makers, including CDs and manuals. It is usually advisable to buy a distribution because you will have the manual in printed form, and if you download it, the files are rather big (about 200 MB-2.5 GB).

Tip

Find more information about the Linux standard and the different available implementations at http://www.linuxbase.org ...