What does SLAAC stand for?

SLAAC stands for Stateless Address Auto-Configuration. This is a method used in IPv6 networks that allows devices on a network to automatically configure their own IP addresses without the need for a central server, such as a DHCP server.

In environments where SLAAC is employed, routers send out Router Advertisement (RA) messages to provide essential network configuration information along with the prefix that devices on the network will use to generate their own addresses. Each device uses this prefix combined with its own unique identifier, typically derived from its MAC address, to create a globally unique IPv6 address.

Understanding SLAAC is crucial for network professionals, as it simplifies the management of IP addressing in large networks, enabling devices to connect seamlessly and without manual configuration.