Internet of Things (IoT) Practice Exam

In IoT, which type of addresses does IPv6 use for identification?

1. Binary addresses

2. Hexadecimal addresses

3. Decimal addresses

4. Octal addresses

The correct answer is: Hexadecimal addresses

IPv6 uses hexadecimal addresses for identification, which is a crucial aspect of its design. Each IPv6 address consists of 128 bits, and these bits are typically represented in hexadecimal format to simplify their representation and readability. Hexadecimal format is particularly effective for IPv6 because it condenses long binary sequences into shorter, more manageable strings. For instance, what would otherwise be a lengthy binary address can be expressed using just 32 hexadecimal digits, making it more user-friendly while still maintaining the unique identification capabilities necessary for devices in the vast IoT landscape. While binary addresses represent the raw bit value, they are cumbersome for practical use. Decimal addresses are commonly associated with IPv4, which only uses a 32-bit address space, and octal addresses are much less common in network addressing altogether. The hexadecimal representation allows for a more compact form that reduces the risk of error during manual entry and enhances clarity in documentation and communication about networking configurations. Thus, the choice of hexadecimal addresses is foundational to the functionality and efficiency of the IPv6 protocol in the IoT domain.