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What is the use of flow label fields in IPv6?
A source can use the 20-bit flow label field in the IPv6 header. A source can use this field to label those packets for which the source requests special handling by the IPv6 routers. For example, a source can request non-default quality of service or real-time service.
What is IPv6 source routing?
An IPv6 source uses the routing option to list one or more intermediate nodes, or topological group, to be visited on the way to a packet’s destination. This function is very similar in function to IPv4’s loose source and record route option.
Why does IPv6 use separate extension headers?
IPv6 extension headers contains supplementary information used by network devices (such as routers, switches, and endpoint hosts) to decide how to direct or process an IPv6 packet. The length of each extension header is an integer multiple of 8 octets. This allows subsequent extension headers to use 8-octet structures.
How is source based routing implemented in IPv4?
In either IPv4 and IPv6 protocol there is a built-in option for a sender device to force the path for packets that are being sent. The mean of the sender to influence and change normal best path routing implemented by every routing protocol is called source routing.
Which is better for routing IPv4 or IPv6?
On the surface, it might seem that the IPv6 address format has a higher complexity and could clog things up from a routing perspective, but the subgroups of IPv6 actually enable faster delivery. IPv6 generates a 128-bit address, while IPv4 creates 32-bit addresses, so there will be room to grow with the new system.
When to use the source field in IPv6?
A source can use this field to label those packets for which the source requests special handling by the IPv6 routers. For example, a source can request non-default quality of service or real-time service. This aspect of IPv6 is still experimental and subject to change as the requirements for flow support in the Internet become clearer.
Is the flow label field required in IPv6?
This aspect of IPv6 is still experimental and subject to change as the requirements for flow support in the Internet become clearer. Some hosts or routers do not support the functions of the flow label field. These hosts or routers are required to set the field to zero when originating a packet.