What is the IPv6 address range reserved for multicast addresses?

The range of IPv6 addresses reserved for multicast uses the prefix FF00::/8. This means that any address that starts with the bits FF corresponds to a multicast address. Multicast addresses are crucial for sending a single packet to multiple destinations, which is commonly used in applications such as streaming media or conferencing.

The unique structure of multicast addresses allows for a diverse range of groups to be created, facilitating efficient data transfer in scenarios involving multiple receivers. The definition of the multicast address range reveals the importance of the FF prefix in identifying these special addresses within the broader IPv6 address space.

In the context of the other address ranges, FF01::/8 denotes a scope for multicast addresses, but it is a subset of the overall multicast range and not the range itself. The FE80::/10 range is designated for link-local addresses, used for communication within a single network segment. FFFF::/8 does not exist within the designated ranges and is not valid as an address type in the IPv6 scheme. Therefore, recognizing that the FF00::/8 range encompasses all multicast addresses solidifies its correctness in this context.