What is the maximum theoretical number of addresses provided by IPv6?

IPv6 provides a significantly larger address space compared to its predecessor, IPv4, due to its 128-bit address structure. The maximum theoretical number of IPv6 addresses can be calculated as 2^128, which results in approximately 340 undecillion (3.4 x 10^38) possible addresses. This immense number of addresses allows for a vastly greater number of devices to be connected to the internet, which is increasingly important as the number of internet-connected devices continues to rise globally.

The other options represent much smaller quantities. For example, 340 decillion is less than the true maximum address space offered by IPv6. Similarly, 340 thousand and 340 billion are drastically smaller and do not reflect the capabilities of IPv6's vast address allocation. This understanding of the IPv6 structure highlights its role in accommodating the needs of future internet growth.