Differences Between DHCPv4 and DHCPv6

The two major differences between DHCPv4 and DHCPv6 are the following:

• The administrative model

  • DHCPv4–The administrator enables DHCP for each interface. Administration is on a per-logical interface basis.

  • DHCPv6–Explicit configuration is not necessary. This protocol is enabled on a given physical interface.

• Protocol details

  • DHCPv4–The DHCP server supplies the subnet mask for each address. A hostname option sets the system-wide node name.

  • DHCPv6–The subnet mask is supplied by Router Advertisements, not the DHCPv6 server. There is no DHCPv6 hostname option.