What Is the Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 and IPv6 are the two versions of Internet Protocols. Both enable online data sharing and networking, but they differ in functionality and device identification methods.
So, IPv4 vs. IPv6: Which one is better and faster? What are the key differences between the two protocols? It’s a long debate that we will discuss today.
In this article, we will go over the two currently utilized Internet Protocol versions, IPv4 and IPv6, in a side-by-side comparison. In addition, we will explore the fundamental differences between these protocols - IPv4 vs. IPv6, and understand why the future sustainability of the Internet hinges on transitioning to IPv6.
What Is an IP Address?
An IP address, short for Internet Protocol Address, plays an important role in facilitating communication among computers and devices over the Internet. It serves as a unique identifier for each device connected to the Internet. When you communicate or send some data online, the IP (Internet Protocol) breaks down this data into smaller parts or chunks called “packets.”
Each data packet contains the attached header with IP address information that ensures whatever data you send reaches the right recipient. Whether you're accessing a website or downloading a file, your device relies on its IP address to establish a connection and make requests. In essence, IP addresses are like digital addresses that enable seamless information exchange between devices over the vast network of the Internet.
Types of IP Addresses
The two main types of IP addresses are IPv4 and IPv6.
What Is IPv4?
IPv4 is the first version of the Internet Protocol launched in 1983. Still widely recognized today, it serves as the primary method for identifying devices on a network. IPv4 address consists of two main components: the network address and the host address. It is known as “Internet Protocol version four.” DARPA introduced IPv4 in 1981, and it became the first operational version deployed in 1982 on SATNET and the ARPANET in January 1983.
The IPv4 system uses a 32-bit address format and is expressed in Decimal Notation. This address is represented by four numbers separated by dots in the range of 0-255. The IPv4 provides a range of nearly 4.3 billion unique addresses, with specific IP blocks reserved for special uses. An example of an IPv4 address is 192.168.16.141.
What Is IPv6?
The IPV6 is the latest version of Internet Protocol Version 6. It was first introduced at the end of the 1990s as the replacement for the IPv4 address. Unlike IPv4, which uses a 32-bit address structure, IPv6 uses a 128-bit address structure, represented by eight sets of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons.
IPV6 extended address space offers the best alternative to the limited number of addresses available with IPv4. With IPv6, there is a vast and virtually limitless supply of potential addresses, ensuring the continued growth and expansion of the Internet.
IPv6 not only expanded the pool of available IP addresses but also tackled various shortcomings of IPv4, with security standing out as a primary concern. We'll delve into the details of these improvements later on in the IPv4 vs IPv6 comparison table.
An example of an IPv6 address is 3002:0bd6:0000:000000000000:ee00:0032:6678.
Why Are We Currently Undergoing a Switch from IPv4 to IPv6?
IPv4 was designed to handle 4.3 billion addresses, a huge number that was more than enough in 1980. However, with the advancement in IT, such as the emergence of smartphones and Internet of Things devices, the Internet's global expansion quickly outpaced this capacity.
Since the 1990s, there haven't been enough IPv4 addresses for the Internet. Smart engineers found temporary solutions, but we needed a better, long-lasting fix. When IPv4 couldn't keep up with the demand, they made IPv6 to permanently solve the problem of not having enough addresses.
Both IPv4 and its newer version, IPv6, are present on the Internet right now. However, the plan is to eventually use IPv6 for everything. The older IPv4 equipment is slowly being replaced by IPv6, even though it's a slow process, because replacing it all at once would be very expensive and cause a lot of disruption.
Comparison: Difference Between IPv4 vs. IPv6
Both types exhibit significant differences. Understanding these differences is important for protecting your computer. The primary difference between IPv4 and IPv6 lies in the address size, with IPv4 employing a 32-bit address and IPv6 utilizing a 128-bit address.
This substantial difference results in IPv6 providing 1,028 times more addresses compared to IPv4. So, this range capability solves the address allocating problem, and you may get rid of the issue of not having enough addresses, at least for the near future.
Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6: IPv6 vs. IPV4
The table below offers an in-depth IPv4 vs IPv6 comparison:
Let’s explore some key differences in detail between IPv4 and IPv6 to better understand how they work. This knowledge can help you strengthen your computer's security and keep it safe when connected to the Internet.
Functionality
IPv4 is widely supported and user-friendly, lacking a specific address lifetime concept and relying on DHCP or manual configuration. IPv6, however, boasts a main selling point of virtually unlimited addresses, introduces a two-lifetime concept, and features stateless auto-configuration.
Addressing and Routing
IPv4 uses distinct classes, address masking, and supports Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM). Conversely, IPv6 does not have classes, avoids address masking, and lacks VLSM support. Notably, IPv6 has a different approach to ping and packet fragmentation, with the use of multicast neighbor solicitation.
Security
IPv4 offers optional IPSec and SNMP, while IPv6 integrates mandatory IPSec, lacks SNMP support, and incorporates built-in end-to-end encryption. IPv6's packet header contains a Flow Label field for Quality of Service (QoS) handling, unlike IPv4.
Additional Features
IPv4 relies on optional fields, requires specific header options, and uses Mobile IPv4. In contrast, IPv6 incorporates extension headers, has a different approach to mobility from Mobile IPv6, and its evolving address allocation strategy provides a /48 subnet prefix length for everyone. The packet size and DNS records also differ between the two versions.
Which One Is Better: IPv4 or IPv6? (IPv4 Versus IPv6)
When we choose IPv4 vs. IPv6, IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet Protocol and surpasses IPv4 with advancements in addressing size, efficiency, and security.
IPv6 offers several key advantages, including an ample supply of IP addresses to address the growing demand. It simplifies router tasks through hierarchical encoding and streamlining network management. Automated configuration makes setup easier, while enhanced compatibility with mobile networks ensures seamless connectivity.
The IPv6 protocol reduces routing table sizes, leading to more efficient routing. Additionally, it provides a potential 15% speed boost, attributed to larger payloads and allocating public IP addresses to each device.
IPv6 incorporates built-in security features like IPSec, end-to-end encryption, identity verification, and data integrity, addressing privacy and protection concerns. These features collectively position IPv6 as a superior, future-proof option for the evolving requirements of the Internet.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored the differences between IPv4 and IPv6. IPv6 is presented as a comprehensive solution tailored to the Internet's evolving requirements, providing a strong and scalable foundation with heightened security features. Its advantages position IPv6 as a more fitting and forward-looking choice when compared to its predecessor, IPv4.