Exploring IPv6 Address Space for the RADV Router

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Exploring IPv6 Address Space for the RADV Router

In my last post, I set up the NAT network that will enable the Router Advertisement Daemon (RADV) router to connect to external networks. Now, I’m shifting focus to choosing an address space and documenting what I’ve learned about IPv6 networks in preparation for deploying the RADV router.

The Immensity of IPv6 Address Space

As I delve into IPv6, I’m astonished by the vastness of its address space. IPv6 provides approximately 10 38 × 3.4 unique addresses—enough to assign an IP address to every grain of sand on Earth and still have plenty left over! This expansive range allows for an unprecedented number of devices to be connected to the internet, far exceeding the limitations of IPv4.

Why I Need a Unique Local Address (ULA)

For my lab setup, I need to utilise a Unique Local Address (ULA) for internal communication. ULAs are similar to the private address ranges defined in IPv4, such as 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x, but they are specifically designed for IPv6. These addresses provide a way to configure a network without the need for public address space, making them ideal for small labs like mine.

In a small lab environment, using a ULA means I can freely design my network without worrying about address conflicts with public IP addresses. It gives me the flexibility to set up multiple devices and experiment with various configurations while ensuring that my internal traffic remains isolated from the broader internet.

Implications for Industry and the World

The significance of IPv6 extends beyond individual labs; it has profound implications for all industries, particularly as the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow. With billions of devices projected to be connected to the internet, IPv6’s extensive address space is crucial for accommodating this surge.

In various sectors—manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and smart cities—the ability to connect and manage vast arrays of devices will enhance efficiency and enable real-time data insights. This connectivity is essential for innovations such as autonomous vehicles, smart grids, and advanced healthcare solutions, all of which rely on seamless communication between devices.

Overall, the transition to IPv6 represents a significant step towards enabling a more connected and efficient world. It addresses the limitations of IPv4 and lays the groundwork for the future of networking, particularly in the context of IoT and the digital transformation of industries.

Choosing a Unique Local Address (ULA)

Now that I've grasped the importance of IPv6 and the vast address space it offers, it's time to choose a Unique Local Address (ULA) for my lab. ULAs are defined within the address range fc00::/7, but the most commonly used prefix for ULAs is fd00::/8. This ensures that addresses starting with fd are locally unique and can be used within private networks.

To generate a ULA, I can use online tools such as Unique Local IPv6, which helps create a ULA in the appropriate format.

For my setup, I’ll be generating a ULA that will serve as the foundation for my internal IPv6 network.

Assigning Settings to the First NIC of the RADV Router

For the first NIC of the RADV router, I will assign the ULA that I choose. The theoretical configuration would include:

  1. IPv6 Address: Based on the generated ULA, for example, fd00:abcd:1234::1. This address will serve as the router's identifier within the internal network.

  2. Prefix Length: A prefix length of /64, which is standard for most IPv6 subnets, will allow ample address space for the connected devices.

  3. Router Advertisement (RA) Configuration: The RADV daemon will need to be configured to send periodic Router Advertisement messages. This will allow other devices in the internal network to automatically configure their IPv6 addresses based on the ULA.

Integrating into Build

When incorporating this configuration into a build I will need to:

  • Use the appropriate tools to configure the network settings for the RADV router, specifying the ULA and prefix length.
  • Ensure RADV router IP settings are properly configure
  • Ensure that the softare needed for a RADV router are installed as part of the provsioning of the machine

Next Steps

With the ULA concept in place for the internal network and the NAT network established, I’m ready to configure both NICs when I deploy the VM—one connected to the NAT network for external access and the other linked to the internal IPv6-only network.

Before i can do any of that i will need to investigate which OS I will use for the router and the rest of the Linux VMs in the lab

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