IPv6 Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMPv6)

Simpler is better, and ICMPv6 represents a significant change in the way network metadata is exchanged among IPv6 nodes. This chapter introduces ICMPv6 and discusses the way it differs from the versions of ICMP specified forIPv4. ICMPv6 incorporates functions that were formerly performed by the Internet group management protocol (IGMP), address resolution protocol (ARP), and other protocols or mechanisms. Most networking protocols require some channel for the exchange of network meta-data and IPv6 is no exception. The Internet control message protocol for IPv6 (ICMPv6) is built largely on ICMP as used with IPv4. Unlike ICMP for IPv4, ICMPv6 provides a more complete set of tools for the exchange of meta-information about the Internet layer among nodes. The chapter outlines the way ICMPv6 works and the way it is used.