Important actions

After obtaining an IPv6 prefix, either through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or an assignment from a regional agency, there are several important actions that must be taken to successfully implement IPv6 addresses on your network:

1. Network Planning

Before implementing IPv6, detailed network planning is essential. This involves determining how address blocks will be assigned within the network, how the network will be segmented into subnets, which devices will need public IPv6 addresses, and which might use local or private addresses.

2. Router Configuration

The router acting as the network gateway must be configured to advertise the IPv6 prefix assigned to the internal network using Neighbor Discovery Protocols (NDP) and SLAAC, which will allow devices on the network to automatically generate their own IPv6 addresses. .

3. Device Configuration

End devices and servers must be configured to use IPv6. This may involve enabling IPv6 address automatic configuration (SLAAC) and, if necessary, manually configuring static addresses or using DHCPv6 to assign addresses to specific devices.

4. Configuration of Servers and Services

If there are servers that offer services over IPv6, they need to be configured appropriately so that they listen on IPv6 addresses and are available for incoming connections.

5. Firewall and Security Configuration

When deploying IPv6, it is important to ensure that the network firewall is properly configured to allow legitimate IPv6 traffic and block unwanted traffic. It is also essential to consider security best practices specific to IPv6.

6. Application Migration

If the network already had IPv4 implemented and is migrating to IPv6, some applications and services may need to be updated or adapted to work correctly with IPv6.

7. Monitoring and Maintenance

Once IPv6 is implemented, it is essential to constantly track and monitor the network to detect any problems or anomalies. Maintenance policies and periodic updates must also be implemented to ensure optimal and secure operation of the network.

8. Training and Awareness

It is important to provide training to network administrators and end users on how to work with IPv6, especially if they are used to IPv4. Awareness of the differences and advantages of IPv6 is crucial for a successful transition.

Example

In this example, an IPv6 /48 prefix assignment will be used for the enterprise:

IPv6 prefix assigned by the RIR:

2001:0db8:1234::/48

Company information

• Company Name: “ExampleCorp”
• Number of offices: 3 (Headquarters, Branch A, Branch B)
• Departments: Sales, Marketing, Finance, IT (Information Technology)

Network Planning

1. Divide the Assigned Prefix into Subnets

• Assign a /56 block to each office for their internal network.
• Reserve a /64 block for the loopback network.

2. Subnet Assignment

• Headquarters:
  • Red interna: 2001:0db8:1234:0001::/56
  • Loopback: 2001:0db8:1234:0001::/64
• Branch A:
  • Red interna: 2001:0db8:1234:0002::/56
  • Loopback: 2001:0db8:1234:0002::/64
• Branch B:
  • Red interna: 2001:0db8:1234:0003::/56
  • Loopback: 2001:0db8:1234:0003::/64

3. Assigning Addresses to Devices

• Use SLAAC for end devices on each internal network.
• Configure static addresses for servers and devices with critical functions.

4. Addressing Policy

• Enable Privacy Extensions for end devices.
• Configure DHCPv6 to assign static addresses to certain devices or to provide additional network information.

5. Routing Planning

• Configure routers in each office to advertise internal subnets and provide connectivity between branches and to the Internet.

6. Security

• Implement ACLs (access control lists) on routers and firewalls to allow necessary traffic and protect against unauthorized traffic.

7. Documentation and Management

• Keep detailed records of network planning, address assignment, and configuration.
• Establish a management plan for the maintenance and future expansion of the network.

8. Testing and Validation

• Perform extensive testing before putting the configuration into production to ensure that connectivity is working properly and there are no interruptions to existing services.

This example provides an overview of how an IPv6 network might be planned for a company with multiple offices and departments. The exact planning may vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of the company.

It is important to note that IPv6 offers significant flexibility in address allocation and network structure, making it easier to adapt planning to different situations and scenarios.

Note: To know how to assign subnets in IPv6, review the Subnetting in IPv6 documentation.