What is the consequence of configuring a router with the ipv6 unicast-routing command?

Configuring a router with the ipv6 unicast-routing command enables IPv6 routing on the device. This command specifically activates the capability for the router to forward IPv6 packets and is essential for establishing IPv6 connectivity. Once activated, the router can begin to send and receive IPv6 traffic, including handling ICMPv6 Router Advertisement messages.

ICMPv6 messages play a crucial role in IPv6 networks, particularly for Neighbor Discovery. Router Advertisement messages are sent from routers to inform nearby devices of their presence and to provide them with the necessary information to configure their IPv6 addresses and discover other parameters like the default gateway. Thus, with the invocation of the ipv6 unicast-routing command, the router starts participating in IPv6 networking, facilitating communication and facilitating address configuration processes in the network.

This capability becomes vital in ensuring that devices on the network can communicate with each other using IPv6, which is increasingly important as the industry transitions from IPv4.