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Administration Guide

IPv6 address assignment

IPv6 address assignment

On the FortiGate, an interface can use the following methods to obtain an IPv6 address:

Method

Overview

IPv6 stateless address auto-configuration (SLAAC)

  • Enables each network host to auto-configure a unique IPv6 address.
  • The lack of a state eliminates the need for a centralized server, thereby simplifying network management.
  • SLAAC does not provide DNS server addresses to hosts.

DHCPv6 stateful server

  • Provides IPv6 addresses and additional information to hosts, such as a DNS server list and a domain name.
  • Offers more control to the administrator in assigning addresses, but requires extra configuration.

SLAAC with DHCPv6 stateless server

  • Combines the benefits of SLAAC and DHCPv6.
  • Enables each host on the network to auto-configure a unique IPv6 address and allows them to obtain additional information, such as a DNS server list and a domain name.

IPv6 prefix delegation

  • Enables internet service providers (ISPs) to provide organizations with a block of addresses that can be distributed throughout their network.

Deciding which method to employ should be based on the requirements of your system and your overall IT practice.

Tooltip

You can configure IPv6 using the CLI. To configure IPv6 using the GUI, ensure IPv6 is enabled by going to System > Feature Visibility and enabling IPv6.

IPv6 address assignment

On the FortiGate, an interface can use the following methods to obtain an IPv6 address:

Method

Overview

IPv6 stateless address auto-configuration (SLAAC)

  • Enables each network host to auto-configure a unique IPv6 address.
  • The lack of a state eliminates the need for a centralized server, thereby simplifying network management.
  • SLAAC does not provide DNS server addresses to hosts.

DHCPv6 stateful server

  • Provides IPv6 addresses and additional information to hosts, such as a DNS server list and a domain name.
  • Offers more control to the administrator in assigning addresses, but requires extra configuration.

SLAAC with DHCPv6 stateless server

  • Combines the benefits of SLAAC and DHCPv6.
  • Enables each host on the network to auto-configure a unique IPv6 address and allows them to obtain additional information, such as a DNS server list and a domain name.

IPv6 prefix delegation

  • Enables internet service providers (ISPs) to provide organizations with a block of addresses that can be distributed throughout their network.

Deciding which method to employ should be based on the requirements of your system and your overall IT practice.

Tooltip

You can configure IPv6 using the CLI. To configure IPv6 using the GUI, ensure IPv6 is enabled by going to System > Feature Visibility and enabling IPv6.