CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)Networking ConceptsHard
A network engineer assigns a workstation the IPv6 address 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334, which is routable across the internet and assigned by the organization's ISP. What type of IPv6 address is this?
- AGlobal unicast address
- BLink-local address
- CMulticast address
- DUnique local address
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Global unicast address
A global unicast address is the IPv6 equivalent of a public IPv4 address; it is globally routable on the internet and typically begins with the 2000::/3 range, as ISPs assign these blocks to organizations for internet-facing communication.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Link-local addresses begin with fe80::/10 and are only valid on the local network segment, not routable.
- C. Multicast addresses begin with ff00::/8 and target multiple recipients, not a single routable host.
- D. Unique local addresses begin with fc00::/7 and are used for private internal addressing, not internet routing.
IPv6 Global Unicast Address
A global unicast address is a globally routable IPv6 address, typically in the 2000::/3 range, analogous to a public IPv4 address.
- Begins with 2000::/3 in current allocations
- Assigned by ISPs or regional internet registries
- Globally routable across the internet, unlike link-local or ULA addresses
Memory trick: Global unicast is the 'passport address' — valid for travel across the whole internet.