RIPng (RIP next generation) is an information routing protocol for the IPv6. RIPng for IPv6 is based on protocols and algorithms used extensively in the IPv4 Internet such as RIP and RIP2. In an very large network, such as the Internet, there are many routing protocols used for the entire network. The network will be organized as a collection of Autonomous Systems (AS). Each AS will have its own routing technology, which may differ among AS"s. The routing protocol used within an AS is referred to as an Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP). A separate protocol, called an Exterior Gateway Protocol (EGP), is used to transfer routing information among the AS"s. RIPng was designed to work as an IGP in moderate-size AS"s. It is not intended for use in more complex environments.

For the IPv4 network, the routing information protocols are RIP and RIP2 - click for details. In the document, only the details of RIPng will be described.

Protocol Structure

• Command -- two commands are: Request: A request for the responding system to send all or part of its routing table. Response: A message containing all or part of the sender routing table.
• Version -- The current version of RIPng is version 1.
• Route table entry -- Each route table entry contains a destination prefix, the number of significant bits in the prefix and the cost of reaching that destination.

Related Terms: IP, IPv6, IGP, EGP, RIP, UDP, TCP

Sponsor Source: RIPng is defined by IETF (http://www.ietf.org) RFC2080.

Reference: http://www.javvin.com/protocol/rfc2080.pdf: RIPng for IPv6