Read the fixed IPv6 header
02The common IPv6 header is 40 octets. Its fields describe the packet and identify the next header.
Related RFCs and changes
“Updates” changes part of an earlier RFC. “Obsoletes” replaces it. This list shows selected related documents.
DIAGRAM§ 3 ↗
RFC 8200 · § 3EXAMPLE
3 / 3
03
Interpret the payload.
Use Next Header rather than assuming the payload begins directly with TCP or UDP.
Protocol participantThreat or exceptionProtocol controlSimplified drawings · precise section references
Read the updated RFC section ↗
A small fixed header starts a potentially longer chain.
- The version field is 6; source and destination addresses are each 128 bits.
- Payload Length counts the bytes after the IPv6 base header, including extension headers.
- Next Header identifies an extension header or an upper-layer protocol; Hop Limit bounds forwarding.
The payload-length field has special handling for jumbograms specified separately. The schematic is not drawn to bit scale.
Read the RFC section ↗Diagrams simplify the RFC. Read the linked sections for complete requirements.
Privacy