Final answer:
The recommended prefix length for most IPv6 subnets is /64. It balances the need for a vast number of addresses with the simplicity of network management, and is required for features like SLAAC.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended prefix length for most IPv6 subnets is /64. This allocation allows for a significant amount of uniquely addressable devices within a single subnet. Each IPv6 address is made up of 128 bits. Dividing the address space into a 64-bit network portion and a 64-bit host portion simplifies address assignment and subnetting. A /64 subnet has enough address space to assign 18 quintillion unique IP addresses, which is sufficient for most network scenarios.
Using a /64 prefix length is also important for the proper functioning of certain IPv6 features, such as Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC), which requires a /64 subnet to operate. It is worth noting, however, that organizations may use different prefix lengths for aggregating multiple subnets or for routing purposes, such as /48 for site-level allocations or /56 for smaller site divisions.