What IPv6 features are commonly used by modern WLANs (e.g., SLAAC and RA) and why?

• A. DHCPv6 is the preferred method for all IPv6 devices
• B. NAT64 is used to preserve IPv6 addresses
• C. Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC) with Router Advertisements; simplifies client IP configuration and mobility
• D. Prefix Delegation requires manual config

Answer: (C)

Automatic IPv6 address configuration in WLANs is the focus here. Modern wireless networks commonly use Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC) together with Router Advertisements. A router on the local link periodically sends Router Advertisements that include the network prefix. The client then generates its own global IPv6 address from that prefix (often using an interface ID) and learns the default gateway from the same advertisements. No separate server is required to assign addresses, which makes the setup quick and scalable for many devices.

This also supports mobility well. As devices roam between access points within the same network, the prefix information remains consistent and the host can reconfigure automatically with little or no manual intervention, keeping connectivity smooth and instant.

There can be extra configuration in some networks, such as DHCPv6 providing additional options or enabling stateful addressing, but the typical WLAN autoconfiguration flow relies on SLAAC with Router Advertisements because it simplifies management and works well for roaming clients.

DHCPv6 isn’t universally preferred for all IPv6 devices, since SLAAC can handle address assignment without a DHCP server. NAT64 is used for IPv6–IPv4 translation and isn’t about preserving IPv6 addresses in a WLAN’s end-to-end configuration. Prefix Delegation can be automated and isn’t a requirement for basic host autoconfiguration; it’s more about distributing prefixes to downstream routers.