How many bits can IPv6 handle?

IPv6 is designed to provide a significantly larger address space compared to its predecessor, IPv4. It utilizes 128 bits for its address format. This expanded bit length allows for an unprecedented number of unique addresses—approximately 340 undecillion (3.4 x 10^38) possible addresses. This vast address space is essential to accommodate the growing number of devices connected to the internet as well as to support the future expansion of the internet.

The increased address capacity of IPv6 is one of the reasons behind its development, as the available addresses in IPv4, which only utilize 32 bits, have become insufficient due to the rapid growth of the internet and connected devices. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the architecture of IPv6, highlighting its capability to handle 128 bits.