IPv6 offers flexibility in address assignment and management, and is not limited to just static assignments.

Like IPv4, IPv6 can be configured either dynamically or statically, depending on the network needs and specific configuration. We explain how each method works in IPv6:

1. Dynamic IPv6

Dynamic configuration in IPv6 can be done using several methods:

• SLAAC (Stateless Address Autoconfiguration): This is one of the most common methods for dynamic address assignment in IPv6. It allows devices on a network to automatically obtain IPv6 addresses without the need for a DHCP server. It uses the network prefix advertised by local routers together with an interface identifier generated by the device itself (usually based on the MAC address) to form a complete address.
• DHCPv6 Stateless: In this mode, DHCPv6 complements SLAAC by providing additional information that is not included in router discovery messages, such as DNS server configuration, without assigning the IP address.
• DHCPv6 Stateful: Similar to DHCP on IPv4, stateful DHCPv6 assigns IP addresses and other network configuration information to devices. This allows more detailed control over the IP addresses that are assigned to each device, useful for administration and monitoring in enterprise networks.

2. Static IPv6

Static IPv6 address assignment involves manually configuring addresses on devices, either through device interface configuration or through centralized management:

• Manual Assignment: Similar to IPv4, you can manually configure the IPv6 address, subnet mask (usually /64), gateway and other relevant settings directly in the device settings.
• DHCPv6 with Fixed Assignments- DHCPv6 can also be configured to always assign the same IP address to a specific device based on its DUID (DHCP Unique Identifier), allowing centralized management of IP addresses while maintaining the convenience of dynamic configuration.

Usage Considerations

The choice between dynamic and static IPv6 depends on several factors such as network policy, ease of management, security needs, and network scale.

Home networks and small businesses might prefer SLAAC for its simplicity and lack of need for a DHCP server, while large businesses might opt ​​for DHCPv6 for better network management.

In summary, IPv6 is versatile in terms of address allocation, offering both dynamic and static methods to adapt to different network environments and needs.