Introduction to IPv6

This section introduces the IPv6 protocol. It explains the driving forces for IPv6, the main differences between IPv6 and IPv4, and an overview of the IPv6 unicast routing protocols. The main purpose of this chapter is to explain how to carry IPv6 over an MPLS network.

The Driving Forces for IPv6

IP networks have had tremendous success in the past two decades. The Internet is the ultimate measure and summon of that success. Even though the current IP protocol—IP version 4, or IPv4—has stood the test of time, it can still be improved. The biggest reason for looking for a new IP protocol was the explosive growth of IP networks in the world. IPv4 addresses have 4 octets, or 32 bits. It soon became apparent that with the current ...

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