IPv6 addresses are written using a hexadecimal notation, with eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons.
Here's a breakdown of the method:
- Hexadecimal Digits: Each group consists of four hexadecimal digits (0-9 and A-F).
- Colons as Separators: Colons are used to separate the eight groups.
- Example: A typical IPv6 address looks like this:
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.
Simplified Notation:
To make writing and reading IPv6 addresses easier, there are some shorthand notations:
- Leading Zero Omission: Leading zeros in a group can be omitted (e.g.,
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334can be written as2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334). - Double Colon (::): If consecutive groups have all zeros, they can be replaced with a double colon (::). This can be used only once in an address. For example, the address
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334can be further simplified as2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334.
Practical Insights:
- IPv6 addresses are much longer than IPv4 addresses, but they offer a significantly larger address space, addressing the internet's growing need for unique addresses.
- Understanding the hexadecimal notation and the shorthand rules is crucial for working with IPv6 networks.
