IPv6 over Ethernet: frame format and addressing

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. IPv6 over Ethernet
  3. Ethernet Frame Format
  4. IPv6 Addressing
  5. Conclusion

Introduction

IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet Protocol (IP) and it is designed to replace IPv4, which is running out of available addresses. One of the key features of IPv6 is its ability to be used over different types of network technologies, including Ethernet.

In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of IPv6 over Ethernet, including the frame format and addressing used in this combination of technologies.

IPv6 over Ethernet

Ethernet is a common networking technology that is used in Local Area Networks (LANs). It is a wired technology that uses a physical medium, such as copper or fiber optic cables, to transmit data between devices.

IPv6 over Ethernet refers to the use of IPv6 on Ethernet networks. Ethernet networks can be configured to support IPv6 in the same way as IPv4, but there are some differences in the frame format and addressing used in IPv6 over Ethernet.

Ethernet Frame Format

An Ethernet frame is the basic unit of data transmission in an Ethernet network. It consists of a header and a payload, as well as some other fields that are used for error detection and correction.

The header of an Ethernet frame includes several fields that are used to identify the source and destination of the frame. These fields include:

IPv6 Addressing

IPv6 addresses are 128-bit addresses that are represented in hexadecimal notation. They are divided into two parts: the network prefix and the interface identifier.

In IPv6 over Ethernet, the interface identifier is typically derived from the MAC address of the Ethernet interface. The network prefix is used to identify the network that the interface is connected to and is used by routers to forward packets between networks.

IPv6 over Ethernet uses two types of IPv6 addresses: link-local addresses and global addresses.

Link-Local Addresses

Link-local addresses are used for communication within a single network segment, such as an Ethernet LAN. They are automatically assigned to an interface when it is initialized and are only valid within the local network segment.

Link-local addresses are identified by the prefix fe80::/10 and the interface identifier that is derived from the MAC address of the Ethernet interface.

Global Addresses

Global addresses are used for communication across different network segments, such as different Ethernet LANs or over the Internet. They are assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or other organizations and are globally unique.

Global addresses are identified by a prefix that identifies the network and a 64-bit interface identifier that is typically derived from the MAC address of the Ethernet interface. The most common prefix length for global addresses is /64, which provides a large number of addresses for a single network.

Conclusion

IPv6 over Ethernet is a common combination of technologies used in modern networks. Ethernet provides a reliable and scalable physical medium for data transmission, while IPv6 provides a large address space and advanced features for routing and addressing.

In this blog post, we discussed the basics of IPv6 over Ethernet, including the frame format and addressing used in this combination of technologies. We explained how Ethernet frames are structured and how IPv6 addresses are assigned and used for communication within and between network segments.

By understanding the basics of IPv6 over Ethernet, network administrators can ensure that their networks are configured correctly and are capable of efficiently forwarding data across different network segments.

Mustafa Enes Akdeniz is a Turkish entrepreneur and software developer, born on May 27, 1997, in Gebze. He holds a degree in Computer Engineering from Kocaeli University. Akdeniz is the founder of Oyun Cevheri, a company focused on providing gaming-related services and products, and is also a co-founder of Centerium LLC, a U.S.-based company involved in internet-related services, including IPv4 broking and trading.

With a strong foundation in networking, Akdeniz has gained substantial experience in network administration, IP management, and cybersecurity. He has worked extensively on IPv4 address allocation, facilitating the purchase and sale of IP blocks for businesses needing to scale their digital infrastructure. His technical expertise in network protocols and routing has been instrumental in managing IPv4.Center, which provides brokerage services for IP resources. He also focuses on network security, ensuring safe and secure IPv4 transactions, and optimizing network performance for clients through advanced technologies.

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5 min. read
08 Feb 2023

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