IPv6 protocol: setting in Windows systems

Probably many users of computer systems, digging through the network settings, noticed that in the list of protocols, in addition to all known IPv4, there is also a sixth version (IPv6). The configuration of this protocol and everything related to it will now be considered in the review.

TCP / IPv6: what is it?

Actually, speaking in plain language, the sixth version of the protocol is simply the heir of the fourth version of IPv4, which was developed back in the 70s of the last century. Like its predecessor, IPv6 protocol is responsible for network identification of computer terminals with assignment to each of them a unique external address.

As for differences, IPv6 is able to generate much more unique addresses and, unlike the fourth version, which, even according to the most conservative estimates, does not cope with its direct function, uses a 128-bit combination, rather than the obsolete 32-bit standard . It is not difficult to guess that the number of generated addresses increases simply incredibly. Among other things, here and the security level of connections is an order of magnitude higher, this is at least.

Configuring IPv6 (Windows 7 and above)

But it was all theory. Let's move on to practice and see how the IPv6 configuration of Windows systems is made, starting with the "seven". Windows XP, due to the decreasing relevance, will not be considered. Yes, and setting the parameters of the protocol in it is somewhat more complicated.

But the so-called boxed versions of Windows 7 and higher are ready to use the sixth version of the Internet protocol TCP / IP right after installation. By and large, the user especially to adjust something and it is not necessary. The main thing is just to include the use of the protocol itself.

Another thing is that the problem can be in the service provider. It either supports IPv6, or it does not. Typically, large companies that provide Internet connection services have an active DHCP server at their disposal . IPv6 (the configuration will be presented just below) in this case will be used by the provider automatically.

Now one more important point. Here you need to pay special attention to the connection itself, in which you intend to use the IPv6 protocol. Setting up, if a user is connected through a wireless router (router), assumes only its activation exclusively in the direction of the provider, and it is on the router, as will be discussed below. But in the parameters of the network, there is no sense in using it.

So, the provider has an active DHCPv6 server. The user is asked to activate the IPv6 protocol. The configuration initially assumes an entry into the network connection section. To make it the simplest method, you can use the command ncpa.cpl, which is entered in the "Run" menu. Right click on the adapter to call the menu and select the properties menu. In a new window on the network tab, make sure that a check mark is placed opposite the protocol, that is, its use is turned on.

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 specified.

If automatic assignment of basic values is not provided, you need to know the data from the provider, and then enter them into the appropriate fields. For example, IP can be left in the automatic assignment mode, and for DNS servers use the combination of the format XXXX: XXXX: XXXX :: XXXX (or set, use the desired IP, and keep DNS in automatic mode). In this case, you can also configure the servers for recommendations, for example, some common services such as Google, Yandex, etc. Such settings can be found on the Internet.

Verifying the settings

Now you need to make sure that the protocol is enabled and working. To do this, we use the right click on the network connection icon in the system tray and select the status bar, then click the information button.

If there is an IPv6 value in a 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 give no sense. It is enough to look for the same Google and Yandex services.

IPv6 (Zyxel): configure the protocol on the routers

Finally, a few words about configuring the protocol on the router. For example, take the model Zyxel. In advance, you need to make sure that the firmware version is installed on the router at least 2.00. First, enter the router's menu through the browser's address bar (192.168.1.1) and use the admin login and password 1234.

In the settings you need to tick the IPv6 protocol. The configuration is done by creating a new connection with automatic parameter acquisition (ideally, of course) or using special clients like web configurators or tunnel brokers. If this option does not work, you'll have to use special commands, and set the configuration from the command line. Due to the complexity for the ordinary 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 the IPv6 protocol is completely simple in both activation and configuration. Here the most important condition is the support of the provider. All the rest is automated to the limit, so in Windows 7 and above you can just use the protocol and immediately start using it for an Internet connection.