In this contemporary digital landscape, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses play a significant role. Since billions of devices are connected and communicate, these addresses enable these devices to find and navigate each other on a network. To begin with, let’s understand what an IP address is and the key differences between the two major versions of IP- IPv4 vs IPv6.
Presently, there are two major versions of IP in use- IPv4 vs IPv6. Every version has a different set of attributes, capabilities, and was created to address the particular needs of the internet growth. IPv4 was the very first version that was widely accepted, creating a base for early network interactions.
Since the internet has progress and additional devices are connecting online, the pitfalls of IPv4 have become prominent. This resulted in creation of IPv6. This latest version was developed to address the drawbacks of the predecessor and to secure the network against the rapidly evolving demand for additional addresses and enhanced network efficiency. Let’s dig deeper into the differences between the two IP addresses before exploring IPv4 vs IPv6.
What is IPv4?
IPv4 or IP version 4 is primary addressing system that was first invented in 1983. It utilises 32-bit address scheme that formally allows for over 4 billion unique addresses. IPv4 addresses are generally shown in decimal format, then categorised into four octets divided by dots. For instance, 192.168.1.1 is a common IPv4 address that could be found in a home network.
Format of IPv4
The IPv4 address format consists of a 32-bit address, represented by binary digits separated by dots.
Characteristics of IPv4
- 32-bit address facilitates 4.3 billion unique addresses
- The dot-decimal format supports this IP address
- The fragmented packets come with the route if the packet size surpasses the maximum transmission unit.
- The limited address space resulted in the creation of IPv6 to serve additional devices.
- Network Address Translation is utilised to enable different devices on secure network to share individual public IP address.
Limitations of IPv4
- IPv4 is limited in terms of number of addresses that are not sufficient for the increasing number of devices connected to internet.
- IPv4 often needs manual configuration or DHCP to allocate addresses which can be time-taking and susceptible to errors.
- The IPv4 header is quite complication that can reduce the speed of data processing and routing.
- IPv4 lacks built-in security features, which make it more difficult for attackers to break the security.
- IPv4 is limited in terms of prioritising some data types that could affect the performance of real-time apps such as video streaming and VoIP.
- IPv4 enables routers to separate packets that result in inefficiencies and improve risks to the data.
- IPv4 broadcasting to interact with different devices on network can develop unnecessary network traffic and hinder performance.
What is IPv6?
IPv6 is another general version of Internet Protocol. The well-recognised IPv6 protocol is used and implemented very often, mainly in the mobile device markets, IPv6 was developed by the IETF in 1998 with the aim to supersede IPv4 because of the growing number of internet users.
IPv6 refers to Internet Protocol version 6 which is far better than its predecessor due to its complexity and productivity..
Format of IPv6
IPv6 address format is 128-bit IP address that is grouped into 8 hexadecimal numbers. Then it is separated by colons.
To shift from IPv4 to IPvs, there are multiple approaches:
Dual Stakcing
Devices can utilise IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously. Given this, they can communicate with networks and devices using any of the version.
Tunneling
Tunneling is a method which enables IPv6 users to share data through an IPv4 network to interact with the users of IPv6. Consider this to create a tunnel for IPv6 traffic through the previous IPv4 version.
Characteristic of IPv6
- IPv6 makes use of 128-bit addresses which offer a huge address space compared to IPv4
- IPv6 addresses utilise a blend of numerical and letters divided by colons
- IPv6 header has some fields which make the router processing faster
- IPv6 supports Unicast, Multicast and Anycast. However, it does not support the broadcast.
- IPv6 facilitates flexible subnetting to separate networks on the basis of the particular needs
- IPv6 utilises sophisticated routing protocols such as OSPFv3 and RIPng.
IPv4 vs IPv6
The table below summarises IPv4 vs IPv6:
| IPv4 | IPv6 |
| 32-bit address length | 128-bit address length |
| Manual and DHCP address configuration | Auto and renumbering address configuration |
| Lack of connection integrity | Connection integrity is present |
| Creates 4.29×10^9 address space | Creates 3.4×10 38 address space |
| The security feature is based on the application | IPSEC is an inbuilt security program |
| Decimal format | Hexadecimal format |
| Lack of packet flow identification | Available packet flow identification |
| Available checksum field | Lack of checksum field |
Advantages of IPv4 vs IPv6
The latest version of IPv6 has several benefits over the previous version IPv4. The comparison between IPv4 vs IPv6:
Greater Address Space
Comparing IPv4 vs IPv6, the latter has a greater address space than the former one.
Better Security
IPv6 has better security that is built in. It also provides security, such as data authentication, data encryption, and so on. Hence, the Internet Connection is safe.
Simple Header Format
Comparing IPv4 vs IPv6, IPv6 has a simple and efficient header structure that is more cost-effective and also improves the speed of internet connection.
Priorities
IPv6 includes robust and reliable support for quality of service features that enhance traffic management and improve audio and video quality.
Better Support for Phones
IPv6 has an improved level of support for mobile devices. It assists tracking and making quick connections through mobile devices than the previous version.
Concluding Remarks
The difference between IPv4 vs IPv6 shows the expansion of the IP address space. It shows the significant change in internet structure to accommodate innovation and future growth. These differences can help in appraising how the internet works in predicting how technology will keep changing to address the needs of the digital world.
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