Oracle Solaris enables a single interface to have multiple IP addresses. For example, technologies such as IPMP enable multiple network interface cards (NICs) to connect to the same IP link layer. That link can have one or more IP addresses. Additionally, interfaces on IPv6-enabled systems have a link-local IPv6 address, at least one IPv6 routing address, and an IPv4 address for at least one interface.
When the system initiates a transaction, an application makes a call to the getaddrinfo socket. The getaddrinfo socket discovers the possible address that is in use on the destination system. The kernel then prioritizes this list to find the best destination to use for the packet. This process is called destination address ordering. The Oracle Solaris kernel then selects the appropriate format for the source address, given the best destination address for the packet. This process is known as address selection. For more information on destination address ordering, see the getaddrinfo (3SOCKET) man page.
Both IPv4-only and dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 systems must perform default address selection. In most circumstances, you do not need to change the default address selection mechanisms. However, you might need to change the priority of address formats to support IPMP or to prefer 6to4 address formats, for example.