There are a couple of packet forwarding methods in packet switched networks, like IP networks, anycast being one of them. Anycast can be used very well for a few tasks, it's effective, yet simple and elegant: it builds on the very basic properties of the routing and packet forwarding mechanisms already in use. IP anycast can be used in both Internet Protocol versions, it works the same way in IPv4 and IPv6. Its deployment areas include such fundamental technologies as DNS.

In this paper I present how IP anycast works, its basic properties, its strengths, as well as its limitations. I also show some actual applications of IP anycast with real world examples from the Internet.