If you’re not familiar with the term, an A6 record is a DNS record used for mapping domain names to IPv6 addresses. Unlike A records, which are used for IPv4 addresses, A6 records are used for IPv6 addresses. Superseded by other documents at any time, Internet drafts are working documents of the Internet Engineering Task Force Force (IETF).
New DNS Records for IPv6
For ease of maintenance and mobility for IPv6, there are new DNS records. These new DNS records include A6 and DNAME records, as well as the BINARY LABEL syntax. These records make it possible for sites to make DNS entries for IPv6 addresses without having to hard code address fields. BIND version 9 supports these new DNS records and is currently in beta testing and running in iLabs IPv6 demo booth.
IPV6 networks can also use AAAA records to transition between IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
The Use of A6 Records for IPv6 Addresses
The A6 entry is used to represent a 128-bit IPv6 address. When an IPv6-enabled application wants to look up the name of an IPv6 server, it requests an A6 record from the DNS server. With the A6 record, we can point to the provider’s DNS for the bits in the address, making the provider and client more independent of each other’s DNS.
Advantages of A6 Records
The use of A6 records can help to significantly simplify DNS management and updates. With A6 records, DNS doesn’t need to be changed when the network changes ISPs – you can simply change the reference record to point to the new ISP. This is definitely a more efficient way to handle changes without unnecessary maintenance and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an A6 Record?
An A6 record is a type of Domain Name System (DNS) resource record that maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.
What is the use of A6 Records?
A6 records are used in IPv6 to help manage DNS and simplify updates, making client and provider DNS records more independent of each other.
What are the Advantages of A6 Records?
The use of A6 records can help to significantly simplify DNS management and smooth network changes, without the need for updates or maintenance.
Final Thoughts
The new DNS records are specifically designed to accommodate IPv6 networks. Among them, the A6 records help make DNS management and updates smoother and more efficient. With the A6 record, clients and providers can now have more independence from each other’s DNS.
