CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)Networking ConceptsHard

A technician examines an IPv6 address configured automatically on a workstation's interface: FE80::A1B2:3C4D:5E6F:7A8B. What type of address is this?

  1. ALink-local address
  2. BMulticast address
  3. CUnique local address
  4. DGlobal unicast address
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Link-local address

Addresses beginning with the prefix FE80::/10 are link-local addresses, automatically assigned to every IPv6 interface for communication only within the local network segment; they are never routed beyond the local link.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. Multicast addresses start with FF00::/8, not FE80::.
  • C. Unique local addresses are used for private routing within an organization and start with FC00::/7.
  • D. Global unicast addresses are routable on the internet and typically start with 2000::/3.

IPv6 Link-Local Address

An IPv6 address automatically assigned to an interface, beginning with the prefix FE80::/10, used only for communication within the same local network segment and never routed.

  • Automatically generated via SLAAC even without a router
  • Required on every IPv6-enabled interface
  • Never forwarded by routers to other networks

Memory trick: FE80 stays at home, never leaves the local link

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