Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

Which IPv6 address is commonly used for unspecified functionality?

1. ::1/128

2. ::/128

3. 2000::/3

4. FF00::/8

The correct answer is: ::/128

The address that is commonly used for unspecified functionality in IPv6 is indeed the address represented as ::/128. This address, known as the "unspecified address," is typically utilized when a device is unable to specify a valid source address. It is often employed during the initial stages of the communication process, such as when a device is booting up or trying to acquire an address via protocols like DHCPv6. The effect of having an unspecified address is particularly important in ensuring that a device does not mistakenly communicate with other devices using an invalid address. In the context of the other addresses, ::1/128 represents the loopback address, which is used specifically by a device to send packets to itself. The address range 2000::/3 is designated for global unicast addresses, meaning it is meant for routing on the broader internet. Lastly, FF00::/8 is designated for multicast addresses, used to send messages to multiple devices simultaneously. Each of these addresses serves unique purposes and is not applicable for unspecified functionality.