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Whereas IPv4 address representation uses a binary system of four octets of numbers representing a total of 32 bits, IPv6 uses eight 16-bit hexadecimal values used to represent a total of 128 bits. To read more about this address representation scheme, please review RFC 3513.
IPv6 Registration Services
IPv6 addresses are organized into a topological hierarchy, consisting of a public topology, a site topology, and interface identifiers. The public and site topologies comprise the network portion of the address, while the interface identifiers form the host portion. RFC 3513 describes this addressing hierarchy in more detail.
ARIN takes its guidance from IPv6 allocation policies and procedures set forth in the Number Resource Policy Manual.
In the future, it is possible that an organization and its customers may have to renumber out of their address space. While in some ways IPv6 has made renumbering easier, it is recommended that organizations design their networks to allow for ease of renumbering. It is also recommended that upstream providers who receive a /32 prefix directly from the RIR enter into contractual arrangements with their customers at the time of the initial allocation or assignment stipulating that the address space may have to be returned, which would require all end-sites to be renumbered.
The guideline documents below are designed to provide step-by-step instructions on how to complete each process, as well as other important information.
IPv6 Guidelines
IPv6 Templates
Other Templates
Related RFCs
RFC 2185, Routing Aspects of IPv6 Transition. R. Callon, D. Haskin. September 1997.
RFC 2373, IP Version 6 Addressing Architecture. R. Hinden, S. Deering. July 1998.
RFC 2374, An IPv6 Aggregatable Global Unicast Address Format. R. Hinden, M. O'Dell, S. Deering. July 1998.
RFC 2460, Internet Protocol, Version 6 (IPv6) Specification. S. Deering, R. Hinden. December 1998.
RFC 2464, Transmission of IPv6 Packets over Ethernet Networks. M. Crawford. December 1998.
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