CCNA IPv6 link-local addresses (FE80::/10) Practice Question
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 (FE80::/10). 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 address type is automatically created on an interface and used for communication on the local link only?
Why wrong: Global unicast is routable beyond the local link.
B
Link-local
Correct. Link-local addresses exist per link and are not routed.
C
Unique local
Why wrong: Unique local addresses are similar to private IPv4 addressing and are not automatically the local-link-only operational address being asked about here.
D
Multicast
Why wrong: Multicast is not an interface address type in the same sense as a host unicast address.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Link-local
Every IPv6-enabled interface generates a link-local address, typically in the FE80::/10 range. It is used for neighbor discovery, local communication, and next-hop resolution on the same link.
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Global unicast
Why it's wrong here
Global unicast is routable beyond the local link.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked for an IPv6 address type that is routable on the internet and can be used for global communication, then Global unicast would be the correct answer, as it is designed for that purpose.
✓
Link-local
Why this is correct
Correct. Link-local addresses exist per link and are not routed.
Unique local addresses are similar to private IPv4 addressing and are not automatically the local-link-only operational address being asked about here.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question were to ask which IPv6 address type is used for communication within a private network and is not routable on the global internet, then Unique Local would be the correct answer, as it fits the criteria for private addressing.
✗
Multicast
Why it's wrong here
Multicast is not an interface address type in the same sense as a host unicast address.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked for the type of IPv6 address used for sending packets to multiple devices on a local network segment, then 'multicast' would be the correct answer. For example, a question could specify the address type used for group communication within a local subnet.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
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.
✓Link-localCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
Correct. Link-local addresses exist per link and are not routed.
✗Global unicastWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Global unicast addresses are routable across the internet and are not automatically created on an interface; they require manual configuration or DHCPv6. They are not restricted to local-link communication, which contradicts the question's requirement.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked for an IPv6 address type that is routable on the internet and can be used for global communication, then Global unicast would be the correct answer, as it is designed for that purpose.
Why candidates choose this
Students might think global unicast is automatically created because of SLAAC (Stateless Address Autoconfiguration), but SLAAC generates addresses based on a prefix advertised by a router, not automatically without a router. Additionally, global unicast is not limited to the local link.
✗Unique localWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Unique local addresses (FC00::/7) are similar to private IPv4 addresses and are routable within a site but not over the internet. They are not automatically created on an interface; they require manual configuration or DHCPv6. They are not restricted to the local link, as they can be routed within a private network.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question were to ask which IPv6 address type is used for communication within a private network and is not routable on the global internet, then Unique Local would be the correct answer, as it fits the criteria for private addressing.
Why candidates choose this
Students may confuse unique local with link-local because both are not globally routable. However, unique local addresses are site-local (routable within an organization) and not automatically generated for local-link-only communication.
✗MulticastWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Multicast addresses are used for one-to-many communication and are not assigned to interfaces as a primary unicast address. The question asks for an address type that is automatically created on an interface for local-link communication, which is a unicast address, not a multicast group address.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked for the type of IPv6 address used for sending packets to multiple devices on a local network segment, then 'multicast' would be the correct answer. For example, a question could specify the address type used for group communication within a local subnet.
Why candidates choose this
Students may confuse multicast with link-local because both are confined to the local link in some contexts (e.g., multicast groups like FF02::1). However, multicast is not a unicast address type assigned to an interface; it is a destination address for group communication.
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
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is confusing link-local addresses with unique local or global unicast addresses. Link-local addresses are automatically generated and only valid on the local link, whereas unique local addresses resemble private IPv4 addresses but are routable within an organization. Multicast addresses are not assigned to interfaces for unicast communication, so selecting multicast is incorrect. Understanding the scope and automatic generation of link-local addresses is critical.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
Unique local addresses are similar to private IPv4 addressing and are not automatically the local-link-only operational address being asked about here.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IPv6 link-local addresses are automatically generated on all IPv6-enabled interfaces and use the FE80::/10 prefix. These addresses are essential for communication on the local link only and cannot be routed beyond it. They are used by critical IPv6 functions such as Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP), which replaces ARP in IPv4, and routing protocols like OSPFv3 and EIGRP for IPv6, which rely on link-local addresses to establish neighbor adjacencies. The link-local address is typically formed by combining the FE80::/10 prefix with the interface identifier, often derived from the MAC address using the Modified EUI-64 format. Unique local addresses (ULA) use the FC00::/7 prefix and provide private IPv6 addressing within an organization but are routable internally, unlike link-local addresses. Global unicast addresses are globally routable and assigned by ISPs. Multicast addresses are used to send packets to multiple destinations but are not assigned as interface addresses for unicast communication. Understanding the role and scope of link-local addresses is fundamental for IPv6 network operations and troubleshooting.
KKey Concepts to Remember
IPv6 link-local addresses (FE80::/10)
Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP)
IPv6 routing protocols use link-local addresses
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
IPv6 link-local addresses (FE80::/10)
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — IPv6 link-local addresses (FE80::/10).
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Link-local — Every IPv6-enabled interface generates a link-local address, typically in the FE80::/10 range. It is used for neighbor discovery, local communication, and next-hop resolution on the same link.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review iPv6 link-local addresses (FE80::/10), then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
IPv6 link-local addresses (FE80::/10)
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