1. A method performed by a first network element coupled with a plurality of network elements within a network supporting IPv6, the method comprising: determining a link-layer address of a second network element in response to the second network element joining the network, the determining comprising, broadcasting, in response to an appropriation message from the second network element indicating an intent to use a first target IP address, a discovery message to the plurality of network elements including the second network element, wherein the discovery message indicates the first target IP address and is broadcast to request the link-layer address in association with the first target IP address.