IPv6 Router

IPv6 routers are networking routers that are designed to function under the Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) Internet Layer Protocol.

The basic function of routers is to route, or redirect and forward information request on the Internet to specified paths. Routers are also called Layer 3 switch by some networking professionals.

With this basic function, an IPv6 router is designed to specifically work parallel to the networking standard of IPv6, the most significant feature of which is the absence of Network Address Translation (NAT), a middle or intervening device used in the more prevalent IPv4 standard. NAT was conceived as a temporary solution to stretch the slowly depleting IP address space in IPv4, while a new IP Protocol was being developed to address this problem.

The resulting IPv6, which extends IP address space from 32-bit to 128-bit, virtually eliminates the need for NAT. It also brings with it other networking enhancements like new generation multi-casting, automatic configuration, the elimination of broadcast packets and more mobility.

With an IPv6 router, emerging issues in migration from IPv4 to IPv6 are best addressed. This include handling translation requirements like those used in the NAT systen, from the specific features of IPv6, specifically option headers.

Reconciling the virtues of NAT in the NAT-free environment of IPv6 is a feature that is supported by IPV6 routers. In terms of forwarding information, packet utilization in line with the approved methods for IPv6 are automatic in IPV6 routers.

As with any IP routers, IPv6 routers are compliant with network security features, which the NAT-enabled IPv4 sometimes lack, specifically topology security or hiding.