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Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6

Before understanding difference between IPv4 and IPv6, you should know about the Internet Protocol (IP) or IP address. It is a unique code for the devices to communicate on the Internet. To date, there are two internet protocol versions, termed IP version 4 and IP version 6. IPv4 was introduced in 1980 to the public but came into effect after 1989 when Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web. IPv6 was in the beginning phase of design and development in 1998, whereas it came into force in 2017. While there are various advantages and disadvantages, people are still confused between IPv4 and IPv6. In this article, let us investigate advantages of IPv6 over IPv4 and IPv4 v/s IPv6 examples.

Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6

What is the Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6?

Here, we have shown difference between IPv4 and IPv6 protocols in detail.

What is the Internet Protocol?

Internet Protocol is a method of transferring data from one computer to another over the Internet. It uses a set of rules for routing the information from the host computer to travel through the networks to reach the destination computer. Data sent from the host computer is broken down into smaller parts called packets. Each packet includes the IP information of the destination computer. The IP information is called the IP address, assigned by the Internet to identify devices uniquely.

What is IPv4?

IPv4 stands for Internet Protocol version 4. It’s like the internet’s phone book, assigning a unique address to each device connected to the web so that data knows where to go. These addresses are made up of numbers, looking something like this: 192.168.1.1. Since it uses a 32-bit address system, IPv4 can support about 4 billion unique addresses. However, with more devices than ever connecting to the internet, we’re running out of these addresses.

What is IPv6?

IPv6, or Internet Protocol version 6, is the newer version of the IP. It was created to solve the problem of running out of addresses. IPv6 addresses are much longer, using a 128-bit system, and they look like this: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. Thanks to its complexity, IPv6 can provide a virtually unlimited number of IP addresses, ensuring the web can keep growing.

What is Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6?

In the world of internet technology, two versions of the Internet Protocol (IP) are crucial for the web’s functioning: IPv4 and IPv6. These protocols are the rules and guidelines that enable devices to connect to the internet. Let’s break down the differences between IPv4 and IPv6 in simple English.

The Key Differences: 

Now, let’s explore the main differences between IPv4 and IPv6 in a way that’s easy to understand:

1. Address Length

IPv4: Uses a 32-bit address system, limiting the number of unique addresses to around 4 billion.

IPv6: Uses a 128-bit address system, allowing for a virtually unlimited number of addresses.

2. Address Format

IPv4: Addresses are written in decimal as four numbers separated by periods.

IPv6: Addresses are written in hexadecimal and separated by colons, making them much longer and more complex.

3. Availability of Addresses

IPv4: The limited number of addresses has led to a shortage.

IPv6: Provides enough addresses for countless devices to connect to the internet without running out.

4. Configuration

IPv4: Often requires manual configuration or a server to assign addresses.

IPv6: Designed for automatic address configuration, making it easier to connect new devices to the internet.

5. Security

IPv4: Security was not a primary concern during its design, so additional measures are often needed.

IPv6: Incorporates security features at the protocol level, offering built-in encryption and authentication.

6. Packet Size

IPv4: Has a smaller packet size, which can limit the amount of data sent at once.

IPv6: Supports larger packet sizes, improving efficiency and performance.

Why It Matters?

The shift from IPv4 to IPv6 is significant for the future of the internet. With more devices than ever needing to connect, from smartphones to smart home devices, IPv6’s vast pool of IP addresses is essential. It not only solves the address shortage problem but also improves the internet’s overall functionality and security.

IPv4 IPv6
32-bit address length 128-bit address length
4.3 billion address 340 undecillion address
Numeric address Hexadecimal address
Used for unicast, multicast, and broadcast Used for unicast, anycast, and multicast
Packet size: 576 bytes Packet size: 1208 bytes
0 to 255 in Number 0 to FFFF
Separated with a dot (.) Separated with a colon (:)
Consists of 4 octets and 8 bits Consists of 8 octets and 16 bits
Suitable with computers and laptops More compatible with mobile networks
Limited payload due to outdated prototype Bigger payload (Packet Carrying Capacity)
Example: 192.168.27.12 Example: 2001:4860:4860:0:0:0:0:8888

Also Read: How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Error

Advantages of IPv6 over IPv4

After learning what is difference between IPv4 and IPv6, let us look at advantages of IPV6 over IPv4. People still use IPv4 because of compatibility issues, maybe due to the network provider or older system sitting in the corner. IPv4 was at work from the time of LAN cables, and it was very hard for people to afford the technology to go wireless. But since the competition for mass production was at a peak, people started realizing the Internet was overriding, and they switched to a digital lifestyle after that. We have many advantages, and let us check those first.

  • IPv6 does not need any NAT (Network address translation) for accessing the web.
  • It has unlimited IP addresses.
  • There is a good option for flow labeling (Quality of Service).
  • It provides auto-configuration for devices.
  • Also, it has auto authentication and privacy certificate.
  • It is good for multicast routing.
  • Additionally, it has improved mobility and stable connection.
  • IPv6 is more compatible with mobile devices.
  • Websites launch 5% faster compared to IPv4.
  • For mapping, IPv6 uses NDP (Neighbor Discovery Protocol) to MAC address.
  • It does not have a checksum field.

IPv6 Statistics

As the newer version rolled out to the public, people now tend to use individual IPs for their work to avoid clusters. But according to Google Statistics, usage of IPv6 has been raised by 36.85% till 25th Oct 2022 from 0.14% on 4th Sep 2008. It shows that the ISPs are helping the changes come true but slowly.

Graphs of IPv6 adoption
Image from Google IPv6 Adoption

As countries are preparing for IPv6, Web 3.0 is under development by tech companies (NFT, Gaming, Crypto).

World map of IPv6 Adoption per country
Image from Google IPv6 adoption per country

After looking at the differences and advantages, read further to know what is better IPv4 or IPv6.

What is Better IPv4 or IPv6?

The answer to this question is not necessarily straightforward, even though we have discussed a lot of advantages of IPv6 over IPv4. To decide which is better IPv4 or IPv6, you need to understand your requirements and the requirements of your network. If you are connecting to devices that mostly use IPv4 addresses, it would be better for you to use IPv4 addresses. It might also be better to use IPv4 addresses if you are only focusing on your present requirements and not thinking about the long-term expansion of your network. Overall, IPv6 is better, faster, more secure, and more technologically advanced. It has more features as well.

Also, adding to the points, IP address will be auto enabled and allotted to your device when connected to the Internet according to the state you live in or the services you choose.

IPv4 and IPv6 Together

Despite difference between IPv4 and IPv6, both continue to be in use. Both the IP versions have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. There are also advantages to using them together as well. In this approach, computers and routers run both protocols. Major network vendors support this kind of approach. It is called a Dual stack network. Tunneling and Network Address Translation are other approaches where the use of both IP addresses has turned out to be beneficial.

Who Uses IPv6?

As stated by Google, the global implementation of IPv4 is 34%. In the US, it is said to be 46%. Internet service providers and carrier networks are among the first users of IPv6. Huge companies like Google, Yahoo, Amazon, Telcom, and Comcast have shifted to Dual Stack Implementation, while Microsoft, CERNET, and T-Mobile have shifted to using IPv6. Budget, complexity, and time are factors you should consider before deciding to migrate.

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In summary, while IPv4 has served the internet well for many years, the growth of the digital world necessitates a move to IPv6. This newer version offers more addresses, better security, and improved efficiency, ensuring the internet can continue to expand and support new technologies. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate the evolution of the internet and the importance of adapting to change.

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