IPv6 link-local address
fe80::1 only works on its local network segment.
This address belongs to the IPv6 link-local range fe80::/10. Link-local addresses are used for
communication between devices connected to the same local network, such as a computer and its router. They are
not forwarded by routers and cannot be located on the public Internet.
Technical details
- IPv6
- fe80::1
- IP Classification
- Link-local unicast address
- CIDR
- fe80::/10
- Scope
- Current network segment only
- Publicly Routable
- No
- Interface Scope Required
- Usually
Common uses
- Router discovery and the default IPv6 gateway on a local network.
- Neighbour discovery between IPv6-capable devices on the same LAN or Wi-Fi network.
- Local service access where an interface-specific address is required.
Why does a link-local address need an interface scope?
The same link-local address can exist on more than one network interface. Your operating system therefore needs to
know which interface to use. In a terminal this can look like ping -6 fe80::1%en0;
the interface name differs between systems.
Can a link-local IPv6 address open a router admin page?
Some routers expose management services over their link-local address, but there is no universal router address or
login page. If a router supports it, an IPv6 literal in a browser needs brackets and an encoded interface scope,
for example http://[fe80::1%25en0].
How is this different from a private IPv6 address?
Link-local addresses are limited to one network segment. Unique local IPv6 addresses, usually starting with
fd, can be routed inside a private organisation or home network but are not meant for the public Internet.