enable IPV6 forwarding

[hakehuang]

IPv6 forwarding, as a fundamental capability in network communication, is crucial for the transition to the next-generation Internet Protocol. Here's an overview of IPv6 forwarding and its applications:

What is IPv6 Forwarding?

IPv6 forwarding is the process by which network devices (like routers) send IPv6 packets from one network segment to another. This is essential for the connectivity of devices across different networks. In IPv6, forwarding is enabled by setting the forwarding flag on the network interface.

Key Features of IPv6 Forwarding:

• Large Address Space: IPv6 provides a significantly larger address space compared to IPv4, allowing for a vast number of unique addresses.
• Improved Security: IPv6 includes built-in security features, such as IPsec, which can enhance the security of network communications.
• Efficient Routing: IPv6 simplifies the routing table and reduces the processing overhead on routers.

  Applications of IPv6 Forwarding:

  1. Internet of Things (IoT):
     • Scalability: With the vast number of devices in IoT ecosystems, IPv6's large address space allows for unique addressing of each device.
     • Efficient Data Transfer: IPv6 forwarding supports the efficient transfer of data between IoT devices and data centers.
  2. 5G Networks:
     • Low Latency: IPv6 forwarding is integral to the low-latency communication required by 5G networks.
     • High Bandwidth: IPv6 can handle the high data rates expected in 5G networks.
  3. Cloud Computing:
     • Dynamic IP Allocation: IPv6 allows for dynamic IP address allocation in cloud environments, simplifying management and scaling.
     • Enhanced Security: The use of IPv6 can improve the security of cloud services through features like IPsec.
  4. Smart Grids:
     • Reliability: IPv6 forwarding can contribute to the reliability of smart grids by ensuring continuous communication between various components.
     • Secure Communication: IPv6's security features are vital for the secure transmission of data in smart grid networks.
  5. Network Function Virtualization (NFV):
     • IPv6 forwarding is essential in NFV environments where network functions are virtualized and need to communicate efficiently.
  6. Edge Computing:
     • IPv6 forwarding supports the distributed architecture of edge computing, bringing computation and data storage closer to the edge of the network where the data is created.

Current IPv6 Forwarding status in Zephyr TCP/IP stack

1. ** ipv6 routing is not enabled
2. ** routing from one port is not supported well
3. ** no ready application for demo
4. ** routing protocol is not a must in TCPIP stack, so this is not a necessary blocker
5. ** need a demo applications

[hakehuang]

@shrek-wang