Quick Answer
The answer is FE80::/10, which is the IPv6 link-local address prefix. This prefix is reserved exclusively for addresses that are automatically configured on every IPv6-enabled interface and are valid only on the local physical or logical link—they are never routed beyond that segment. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of IPv6 addressing fundamentals, often appearing in questions about neighbor discovery, router advertisement, or OSPFv3 adjacency formation. A common trap is confusing the link-local prefix with the unique local prefix (FC00::/7) or assuming link-local addresses use a /64 prefix; remember that FE80::/10 is the fixed starting block, though the interface identifier typically uses a /64 subnet. For a quick memory tip, think “FE80 = For Every 80 (ate-oh) link” to recall that every link-local address begins with FE80.
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: iPv6 link-local addresses use the FE80::/10 prefix and are automatically assigned to all IPv6-enabled interfaces for local link communication.. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which IPv6 prefix is used for link-local addresses?
FC00::/7
Why wrong: FC00::/7 is unique local addressing, not link-local.
FE80::/10
Correct. FE80::/10 is the link-local prefix.
2000::/3
Why wrong: 2000::/3 is global unicast space.
FF00::/8
Why wrong: FF00::/8 is multicast space.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
FE80::/10
IPv6 link-local addresses come from FE80::/10. They are valid only on the local link and are commonly used for neighbor discovery and routing adjacency formation.
Key principle: IPv6 link-local addresses use the FE80::/10 prefix and are automatically assigned to all IPv6-enabled interfaces for local link communication.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
FC00::/7
Why it's wrong here
FC00::/7 is unique local addressing, not link-local.
When this WOULD be correct
If the exam question asked for the prefix used for Unique Local Addresses in IPv6, then FC00::/7 would be the correct answer. For example, a question could specify the type of address used for private communication within a site.
FE80::/10
2000::/3
Why it's wrong here
2000::/3 is global unicast space.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked for the prefix used for global unicast addresses in IPv6, option C would be correct, as it identifies the range of addresses that are routable on the internet.
FF00::/8
Why it's wrong here
FF00::/8 is multicast space.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked about the prefix used for multicast addresses in IPv6, then D would be the correct answer. For example, a question could state, 'Which IPv6 prefix is designated for multicast communication?'
Option-by-option analysis
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
Why this is correct
Correct. FE80::/10 is the link-local prefix.
Why this is wrong here
The prefix FC00::/7 is designated for Unique Local Addresses (ULAs) in IPv6, not link-local addresses. Link-local addresses specifically use the FE80::/10 prefix.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the exam question asked for the prefix used for Unique Local Addresses in IPv6, then FC00::/7 would be the correct answer. For example, a question could specify the type of address used for private communication within a site.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might be tempted by this option due to its similarity in format to other IPv6 prefixes and a general understanding of IPv6 address types, leading to confusion between link-local and unique local addresses.
Why this is wrong here
C: 2000::/3 is incorrect because it designates global unicast addresses, not link-local addresses, which are specifically defined by the prefix FE80::/10.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked for the prefix used for global unicast addresses in IPv6, option C would be correct, as it identifies the range of addresses that are routable on the internet.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose this option due to confusion between different IPv6 address types, as 2000::/3 is commonly associated with public addressing, leading to a misinterpretation of the question's focus on link-local addresses.
Why this is wrong here
D is incorrect because FF00::/8 is reserved for multicast addresses in IPv6, not link-local addresses. Link-local addresses specifically use the FE80::/10 prefix.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked about the prefix used for multicast addresses in IPv6, then D would be the correct answer. For example, a question could state, 'Which IPv6 prefix is designated for multicast communication?'
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose D because they recognize FF00::/8 as a notable IPv6 prefix and might confuse multicast with link-local addressing due to their shared relevance in network communications.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Don't confuse link-local prefixes with global unicast or multicast prefixes. Remember, link-local addresses are only valid within the local link.
Detailed technical explanation
IPv6 link-local addresses are a fundamental part of IPv6 networking, used for communication within a single local network segment or link. These addresses are automatically configured on all IPv6-enabled interfaces and do not require manual configuration or DHCP. The link-local prefix FE80::/10 designates these addresses, which are essential for network functions such as neighbor discovery, address autoconfiguration, and routing protocol operations within the local link. They are not routable beyond the local network segment, ensuring that traffic using link-local addresses remains confined to the local link. The IPv6 standard defines FE80::/10 as the reserved prefix for link-local addresses, meaning the first 10 bits of the address are fixed as 1111 1110 10. This prefix is followed by 54 bits set to zero, and the remaining 64 bits are typically derived from the interface identifier, often based on the MAC address or generated randomly for privacy. Cisco devices use these addresses for critical internal processes, including OSPFv3 adjacency formation and routing updates, which rely on link-local communication to establish neighbor relationships without requiring global or unique local addresses. A common exam trap is confusing link-local addresses with unique local addresses (FC00::/7) or global unicast addresses (2000::/3). While unique local addresses resemble private IPv4 addresses and are routable within an organization, link-local addresses are strictly local and cannot be routed. Understanding this distinction is crucial for CCNA candidates, as misidentifying the prefix can lead to incorrect answers. Practically, Cisco routers use link-local addresses for routing protocol neighbor discovery, making FE80::/10 indispensable in IPv6 network operations.
Key takeaway
IPv6 link-local addresses use the FE80::/10 prefix and are automatically assigned to all IPv6-enabled interfaces for local link communication.
Real-world example
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Review iPv6 link-local addresses use the FE80::/10 prefix and are automatically assigned to all IPv6-enabled interfaces for local link communication., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — IPv6 link-local addresses use the FE80::/10 prefix and are automatically assigned to all IPv6-enabled interfaces for local link communication..
The correct answer is: FE80::/10 — IPv6 link-local addresses come from FE80::/10. They are valid only on the local link and are commonly used for neighbor discovery and routing adjacency formation.
Review iPv6 link-local addresses use the FE80::/10 prefix and are automatically assigned to all IPv6-enabled interfaces for local link communication., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
IPv6 link-local addresses use the FE80::/10 prefix and are automatically assigned to all IPv6-enabled interfaces for local link communication.
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Last reviewed: Apr 12, 2026
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