Key Takeaways
- IPv4 ran out of addresses years ago (4.3 billion limit).
- IPv6 has a virtually infinite address pool (340 undecillion).
- IPv6 is more secure by design (mandatory IPsec support).
- Most modern devices support both ("Dual Stack").
The internet is running out of names. This is why the world is slowly moving from IPv4 to IPv6, and what it means for you.
IPv4: The Old Standard
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) has been the backbone of the internet since 1983. It uses a 32-bit address format, looking like 192.168.1.1.
The problem? It only supports about 4.3 billion addresses. With smartphones, laptops, IoT devices, and servers, we have long surpassed that number, forcing us to use workarounds like NAT (Network Address Translation).
IPv6: The Solution
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the successor. It uses a 128-bit address format, looking like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.
IPv6 supports a theoretical maximum of 340 undecillion addresses. That's enough to assign an IP address to every atom on Earth! It eliminates the need for NAT and allows every device to have its own public IP.
Comparison Table
| Feature | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
| Address Size | 32-bit | 128-bit |
| Format | Numeric (192.168.1.1) | Alphanumeric (Hex) |
| Configuration | Often requires DHCP | Auto-configuration (SLAAC) |
| Security | Add-on (IPSec) | Built-in (Mandatory IPSec support) |
| Checksums | Included | Removed (Better Performance) |
Why is the switch so slow?
IPv6 is not backward compatible with IPv4. Devices and routers need to support both ("Dual Stack") during the transition period, which costs money and time to upgrade for huge ISPs and organizations. However, mobile networks (LTE/5G) are driving adoption rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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