More detailsNeighboring subnets, expanded address, reverse DNS, and hextet breakdown
Neighboring /59 subnets
- Expanded address
- Compressed address
- Network (expanded)
- Last address (expanded)
- Prefix mask
- Total addresses (exact)
- Reverse DNS (PTR)
- Host bits / network bits
Hextet breakdown
Quick facts for IPv6 /59
- Prefix mask: ffff:ffff:ffff:ffe0::
- Total addresses: 2⁶⁹
- Approx. count: 5.90 × 10²⁰
- /64 subnets: 2⁵
IPv6 /59 reference guideBit split, overview, key facts, sizing tables, design notes, standards, and FAQ
Network / host bit split
- Network bits
- 59
- Host bits
- 69
- Prefix mask
- ffff:ffff:ffff:ffe0::
- Total addresses
- 2⁶⁹
- Approx. count
- 5.90 × 10²⁰
- /64 subnets
- 2⁵
- Addresses formula
- 2^69
- /64 relationship
- 2⁵ × /64 subnets
Overview
A /59 block fixes the first 59 bits of the address, leaving 69 host bits and 2⁶⁹ total addresses. It subdivides into 2⁵ /64 LAN subnets. A /59 is a common prefix-delegation size from ISPs to homes and small offices, carved into multiple /64 LANs.
Common use cases
- Residential ISP prefix delegation (DHCPv6-PD)
- Home networks with multiple /64 VLANs
- Small office subnet planning
Key facts
- A /59 fixes 59 network bits and leaves 69 host bits — 2⁶⁹ total addresses.
- In network design terms, /59 is typically a home or small-office prefix delegation.
- You can subnet a /59 into 2⁵ /64 LANs.
- Residential ISPs often delegate /56 or /60; /59 would provide 2⁵ home LANs.
Design guidance
A /59 is a common ISP prefix-delegation size for homes and small offices. Configure your edge router to receive the delegated prefix via DHCPv6-PD, then statically route or assign /64 subnets to each internal interface. Even a /59 provides 2⁵ /64 LANs — far more than most households need.
Practical example
Suppose your ISP delegates 2001:db8:abcd:0012::/59 to your edge router. You could assign 2001:db8:abcd:0012::/64 to your main LAN, 2001:db8:abcd:0013::/64 to guest Wi-Fi, and 2001:db8:abcd:0014::/64 to IoT — using only 3 of the 2⁵ available /64 subnets.
Related RFCs and standards
- RFC 4291IPv6 Addressing Architecture
- RFC 6177IPv6 Address Assignment to End Sites
- RFC 3633IPv6 Prefix Options for DHCPv6 Prefix Delegation
Prefix sizing reference
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about IPv6 /59 blocks, prefix sizes, and use cases.