IPv4 vs IPv6

Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of communication protocols used to connect different devices and networks on the Internet. It enables two computers to communicate over the Internet by addressing and routing information between them. The two most commonly used protocols are numbered 4 and 6 which has given rise to the debate about the better protocol. Lets take a look at IPv4 vs IPv6.

First we need to understand IP better and why we need it.

IP helps ensure data delivery from one source to its destination accurately, even if that destination is in another network or country. This is done by breaking down the data into packets, sending each packet through a different route, and then reassembling them at their destination. IP also provides other services such as addressing, error detection and correction.

IP is an essential part of all communication networks today, from small private networks to global public networks. It is used for everything from email to streaming video, enabling us to use the Internet in our everyday lives.

IP is based on a “connectionless” networking model, meaning that data can be sent without having to establish or maintain an open connection between the sender and receiver. This ensures efficient communication by reducing overhead caused by handshaking and other control messages. IP also offers quality of service (QoS) features, which provide an assurance that data packets will be delivered in a timely manner and with a minimal amount of packet loss.

With IP’s robust set of features, it is easy to see why it is the foundation of all communication networks today.

What is IPv4?

IPv4 is the most common internet protocol. It was designed to address a limited number of devices connected on the internet, with a total address space of 4.3 billion addresses. IPv4 uses 32-bit binary addressing and allows for subnetting which can help organizations with large networks better manage their network infrastructure.

Although IPv4 is no longer the default protocol used, it is still widely used and provides a robust set of features that can be combined with newer protocols such as IPv6 to ensure reliable and efficient communication. Despite its age, IPv4 remains an integral part of all internet communications today.

IPv4 Address Example

An IPv4 address is a code that is used to identify a computer or device on the internet. It is made up of four numbers, each between 0 and 255, separated by periods. This code helps ensure that data is sent to the correct destination and allows for communication between different networks.

For example, this is a valid IPv4 address: 10.1.1.1

 5/5

 4.5/5

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What is IPv6?

IPv6 is the next-generation internet protocol. It was designed to address the shortcomings of IPv4, particularly its limited address space, and provides a much larger address space of 340 undecillion addresses (340 trillion trillion). IPv6 also includes improved security features such as authentication and encryption headers that are not present in IPv4.

Additionally, IPv6 brings many other features such as support for Quality of Service (QoS) and mobile IP, which was not an option with IPv4. IPv6 is the default protocol used by most systems today and provides a more efficient way to communicate and transfer data across the Internet. It is essential for organizations that need to manage large networks or scale quickly.

As the Internet of Things continues to grow and more devices are connected online, IPv6 will be increasingly important to ensure that communication is secure, reliable and efficient.

IPv6 Address Example

An IPv6 address is a number that is used to identify devices on a network. It has eight groups of hexadecimal digits, which are numbers and letters together and are separated by colons.

For example, this is a valid IPv6 address: 2620:0c00:0000:0000:0000:0000:abcd:ef00

IPv4 vs IPv6

IPv4 and IPv6 are both important protocols for connecting devices on the internet. While IPv4 is still widely used, it has a limited address space and cannot support newer features such as mobile IP.

On the other hand, IPv6 provides a much larger address space, improved security features and better Quality of Service (QoS). It is the default protocol used by most systems today and is essential for organizations that need to manage large networks or scale quickly.

Although IPv4 and IPv6 both have their advantages, it is clear that IPv6 is the more efficient and secure choice for internet communications in the future.

Why IPv6 wins the IPv4 vs IPv6 debate

While we’ve listed three key reasons below, ultimately IPv6 was always intended to be the successor vs IPv4. Meaning the longer time goes on, the more relevant and future-ready IPv6 is compared to IPv4.

Here’s where we think IPv6 outshines IPv4 today:

IPv6 provides a more secure Internet experience with the use of built-in security features.
IPv6 offers enhanced performance and improved quality of service.
IPv6 supports large scale deployments, making it perfect for businesses and organizations of all sizes.

The reasons IPv4 still stands up vs IPv6

With that said, IPv4 still functions well, still has its uses and can stand up to IPv6 in some areas. A key aspect of this is that IPv4 is better understood than IPv6. It has been around a long time and has become the default protocol for the internet. Change takes time and while the world will eventually migrate over to IPv6, IPv4 still has some time in the sun.

Here’s how we think IPv4 still performs well in the IPv4 vs IPv6 debate:

IPv4 has been around for a long time and is well understood.
IPv4 is more affordable than IPv6 and can be implemented without breaking the bank.

Bringing the IPv4 vs IPv6 debate to a conclusion

The debate about IPv4 and IPv6 will rage on, but ultimately it comes down to two things: your requirements and your experience.

If IPv4 fits better with the experience you have at hand and requirements you need it for, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with IPv4.

However the future lies with IPv6 and we shouldn’t fear change. It is better prepared for the future of the internet and offers better capabilities for those that know how to optimize it.

The choice is yours.