Packet Analysis: SLAAC

Welcome to our "Packet Analysis: SLAAC" laboratory, an immersive experience where we delve into the intricacies of IPv6 host address assignment. In this lab, we employ Wireshark to meticulously analyze the packets exchanged during the Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC) process. Our objectives include unraveling the precise steps involved in assigning a unique IPv6 address to a host within an IPv6 network.

What is SLAAC ?

SLAAC, or Stateless Address Autoconfiguration, is a mechanism designed to facilitate the automatic configuration of unique IPv6 addresses for each host on a network. The fundamental principle of SLAAC lies in its ability to allow hosts to self-configure their IPv6 addresses independently, eliminating the need for any centralized device to keep track of the assigned addresses for individual nodes. This decentralized approach simplifies the address assignment process within IPv6 networks.

How a device gets its public IPv6 Address using SLAAC

Step 1: The node configures itself with a link-local address

The node initiates the configuration process by assigning itself a link-local address. It sends a Neighbour Solicitation message to verify the uniqueness of the chosen address on the local link

Step 2: The node performs Duplicate Address Detection (DAD)

The node performs Duplicate Address Detection by sending a Neighbor Advertisement message. If no conflicting response is received, the node proceeds with the assumption that the chosen link-local address is unique.

Step 3: The node sends a Router Solicitation message.

The node, now assured of its link-local uniqueness, seeks information about routers on the network. It sends a Router Solicitation message to request router details

Step 4: The node configures its global unicast address

Upon receiving Router Advertisements from routers, the node configures its global unicast address using the information provided in the RA messages.

Step 5: The node performs Duplicate Address Detection (DAD)

After configuring the global unicast address, the node performs another round of Duplicate Address Detection by sending a Neighbor Advertisement message to ensure the uniqueness of the newly configured global address.

Conclusion:

In our "Packet Analysis: SLAAC" laboratory, we delved into the intricate process of IPv6 host address assignment using Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC). Through meticulous packet analysis with Wireshark, we aimed to unravel the precise steps involved in autonomously assigning unique IPv6 addresses to hosts within an IPv6 network.