Follow the next header chain
03Extension headers form an ordered chain between the fixed header and the upper-layer payload.
Related RFCs and changes
“Updates” changes part of an earlier RFC. “Obsoletes” replaces it. This list shows selected related documents.
DIAGRAM§ 4 ↗
RFC 8200 · § 4EXAMPLE
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03
Reach the upper-layer protocol.
Only after the extension chain does the receiver reach the transport header.
Protocol participantThreat or exceptionProtocol controlSimplified drawings · precise section references
Read the updated RFC section ↗
Follow each Next Header value in order.
- Extension headers are processed in their specified order, not by scanning ahead for a preferred header.
- Hop-by-Hop Options, when present, immediately follows the IPv6 header; processing along the path depends on node configuration.
- Other extension headers are generally processed at the destination identified by the IPv6 destination address.
An unknown option’s action bits determine whether to skip it or discard the packet, with conditional ICMP behavior. Header handling is not permission for arbitrary in-path insertion.
Read the RFC section ↗Diagrams simplify the RFC. Read the linked sections for complete requirements.
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