Probably, many users of computer systems, delving into the network settings, noticed that in the list of protocols, in addition to the well-known IPv4, there is also the sixth version (IPv6). Setting up this protocol and everything connected with it will now be considered in the review.
TCP / IPv6: what is it?
In fact, in simple terms, the sixth version of the protocol is simply the heir to the fourth version of IPv4, which was developed back in the 70s of the last century. Like its predecessor, IPv6 is responsible for the network identification of computer terminals with a unique external address assigned to each of them.
As for the differences, IPv6 is able to generate a much larger number of unique addresses and, unlike the fourth version, which, even according to conservative estimates, cannot cope with its direct function, uses a 128-bit combination, rather than the outdated 32-bit standard . It is easy to guess that the number of generated addresses is increasing incredibly. Among other things, here and the level of connection security is an order of magnitude higher, this is at least.
Configure IPv6 (Windows 7 and later)
But it was all a theory. Let's move on to practice and see how to configure IPv6 Windows-based systems, starting with the "seven". Windows XP, due to its declining relevance, will not be considered. And setting protocol parameters in it is somewhat more complicated.
But the so-called boxed versions of Windows 7 and above systems right after installation are ready to use the sixth version of the Internet protocol TCP / IP. By and large, the user especially does not need to configure anything. The main thing is to only enable the protocol itself.
Another thing is that the problem may be with the service provider. It either supports IPv6 or not. As a rule, large companies providing Internet connection services have at their disposal an active DHCP server. IPv6 (the setting will be presented below) in this case, it will be activated by the provider automatically.
Now another important point. Here you need to pay special attention to the connection itself, which is supposed to use IPv6. Setting, if the user has a connection through a wireless router (router), involves only its activation exclusively towards the provider, and it is on the router, as will be discussed below. But in the network parameters it makes no sense to use it.
So, the provider has an active DHCPv6 server. The user wonders how to activate IPv6. Setup initially involves entering the network connection section. This can be done with the simplest method using the ncpa.cpl command entered in the Run menu. Right-click on the adapter to call up the menu and select the properties menu. In a new window on the network tab, make sure that the checkbox is checked in front of the protocol, that is, its use is enabled.
Now we are already entering the properties of the IPv6 protocol. In a new window, as a rule, automatic parameters for obtaining the IP address and DNS server should be indicated.
If automatic assignment of basic values is not provided, you need to find out the data from the provider, and then enter them in the appropriate fields. For example, IP can be left in automatic assignment mode, and for DNS servers, use combinations of the format XXXX: XXXX: XXXX :: XXXX (or dial from, use the desired IP, and leave DNS in automatic mode). At the same time, you can also configure servers according to recommendations, for example, some common services such as Google, Yandex, etc. Such settings can be found on the Internet.
Checking the settings
Now you need to make sure that the protocol is turned on and working. To do this, use the right click on the network connection icon in the system tray and select the status bar, then click the details button.
If the IPv6 value is present in the new window, everything is fine. In addition, on the Internet today you can find quite a lot of specialized resources that allow you to test the use of IPv6 protocol online. All of them bring no sense. Just search the same Google and Yandex services.
IPv6 (Zyxel): protocol configuration on routers
Finally, a few words about configuring the protocol on the router. For example, take the Zyxel models. In advance, you need to make sure that the firmware version at least 2.00 is installed on the router. First, we enter the router menu through the address bar of the browser (192.168.1.1) and use the username admin and password 1234.
In the settings you need to check the box next to IPv6. Configuration is done by creating a new connection with automatic receipt of parameters (ideally, of course) or using special clients like web configurators or tunnel brokers. If this option does not work, you will have to use special commands, and set the configuration from the command line. Due to the difficulty for the average user, the technique is not given. But. If someone has a desire, a complete list of commands can be found all on the same Internet.
Conclusion
As you can see, setting up IPv6 is very simple in both activation and configuration. Here the most important condition is its support from the provider. All the rest is automated to the limit, so in Windows 7 and above, you can only use the protocol and immediately start using it for an Internet connection.