CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What does NDP stand for in IPv6 networking?

1. Network Discovery Protocol

2. Neighbor Discovery Protocol

3. Network Device Protocol

4. Neighbor Data Protocol

The correct answer is: Neighbor Discovery Protocol

In IPv6 networking, NDP stands for Neighbor Discovery Protocol. This protocol is a crucial part of the IPv6 suite, serving several essential functions. Primarily, it is responsible for discovering other devices on the network, determining their link-layer addresses, and maintaining reachability information about the various neighboring nodes. Through NDP, devices can communicate their presence to each other, which is essential for processes like address autoconfiguration and managing the routing of packets on the local link. The protocol operates in a local network and enables efficient communication between devices by using messages such as Neighbor Solicitation and Neighbor Advertisement. These messages facilitate tasks such as finding out whether a neighbor is reachable, resolving IP addresses to link-layer addresses, and performing Router Discovery, which allows hosts to find routers on the network. Given its foundational role in IPv6 networking, it underscores the importance of NDP for seamless connectivity and operation within an IPv6 environment.