The Cable Guy: IPv6 Autoconfiguration in Windows Vista

Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is a new suite of Internet protocols designed to improve on (and fix some problems with) the current version of IP, otherwise known as IPv4. You've probably heard of IPv6, but perhaps wondered when these slick new features would be available for you to use.

Turns out, support for IPv6 is here today and ready to be put to use in Windows.

In the August 2007 issue of TechNet Magazine, Joseph Davies introduces you to the IPv6 autoconfiguration features built into Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. Joe will show you how, using this functionality in Windows, IPv6 hosts can automatically configure themselves, even without the use of an address configuration protocol.

Don't forget to take a look at Joe's past installments of The Cable Guy for more information about IPv6 and other networking technologies in Windows.

For example, The Cable Guy discussed how IPv6 works over virtual private network (VPN) connections in the July issue.

There's also some great information available through the TechNet Networking and Access Technologies tech center, where you'll find links to articles, downloads, deployment information, and best practices, such as the IPv6 Security Considerations and Recommendations white paper.

Last, but not least, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Joe's outstanding book, Understanding IPv6 (Microsoft Press 2002). It's a well conceived, wonderfully written book. I should know, because it beat out several projects I had worked on to win a Distinguished Award and Best of Show awards from the Society for Technical Communication (STC) in 2004. I keep a copy on my bookshelf not only as a reference on IPv6, but also as an example of great technical writing!

Terrence Dorsey