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DHCPv6 Client
DHCPv6 Client is the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol designed specifically for IPv6 networks. It automates the process of assigning IPv6 addresses and other configuration details to client devices, enabling seamless integration into IPv6-enabled networks. Unlike its IPv4 counterpart, DHCPv6 implements certain protocol-level improvements, including prefix delegation and improved multicast communication, to accommodate the unique requirements of IPv6..
DHCPv6 (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol for IPv6) is the successor of DHCP for IPv4, built to manage network configuration in IPv6 environments. It enables automatic assignment of IPv6 addresses, prefixes, and configuration parameters (such as DNS servers) to clients on an IPv6 network.
Clients initiate communication using port 546 (client-side), sending DHCP solicit messages to locate available DHCPv6 servers (listening on port 547). DHCPv6 primarily uses multicast communication to improve efficiency, as IPv6 does not support broadcast messaging like IPv4. A significant feature is Prefix Delegation, where DHCPv6 servers can assign an entire prefix (a subnet block) to a requesting router, allowing downstream distribution.
DHCPv6 avoids broadcast by relying on multicast, reducing unnecessary network noise. It introduces stateless and stateful address assignment options, better supports mobility, and includes prefix delegation. Unlike DHCPv4, it can coexist with IPv6 stateless address auto-configuration (SLAAC), complementing IPv6’s inbuilt address management capabilities.