What is the size of an IPv6 address?

An IPv6 address is precisely 128 bits in size. This increased size compared to the previous version, IPv4, which uses 32 bits, was designed to accommodate the growing number of devices connected to the internet. The 128-bit length allows for a significantly larger address space, providing approximately 340 undecillion unique addresses. This vast number is essential for the expanding Internet of Things (IoT) and other technologies that require unique identifiers.

The architecture of IPv6, with its 128-bit addressing scheme, enables better routing efficiency and improved network auto-configuration. It also supports more advanced features such as security and traffic flow, which are becoming increasingly important in modern networks. Thus, the correct understanding of an IPv6 address size is critical for anyone working in network management and cybersecurity.