IPv4 and IPv6 are the two versions of Internet Protocol (IP).
In short, they set the stage for how internet traffic moves.
If youre ready to learn about how they differ, keep reading!
Well give you a rundown of everything you need and want to know about IPv4 vs. IPv6.
First Things First: What Is IP Addressing?
This is how Internet Protocol (IP) addressing works.
Each packet is tagged with IP information, which helps routers determine the correct destination for the traveling data.
IPv4 and IPv6 stand for Internet Protocol version 4 and version 6, respectively.
IPv4 was first implemented in 1983, making it the most widely used protocol today.
This newest version tackles security and privacy issues.
Plus, since its IP addresses are longer, iPv6 accommodates a larger number of unique IP addresses.
How Does IPv6 Differ From IPv4?
We highlighted below the most notable advantages of IPv6 over IPv4:
1.
Longer Addresses
IPv4 addresses are what you often see online, appearing like 192.168.1.1.
Its digit count may vary, with the numbers ranging from 0 to 255.
So, a devices IPv4 address can be anything between 0.0.0.0 and 255.255.255.255.
This is called a 32-bit format using a decimal number (110) system.
The unique combinations inIPv4 can support around 4.3 billion IP addresses.
An IPv6 address would look like 3002:0bd6:0000:0000:0000:ee00:0033:6778.
This is the 128-bit format, andit supports 2128unique addresses thats 340 trillion trillion trillion IP addresses!
Streamlined Packets
Headers are packet labels containing the information needed to transmit data from one computer to another.
Although IPv4 headers can range from 20 to 60 bytes, theyre often limited to only 20.
This takes up comparatively less overhead than IPv6s 40-byte headers.
However,IPv6 headers are much simpler, translating to faster data transfer.
Although IPv4 headers can range from 20 to 60 bytes, theyre often limited to only 20.
On the other hand, IPv6 headers have 40 bytes but can usually transfer data faster.
This is becauseIPv6 headers are much simpler.
For instance, they have removed certain unnecessary elements, such as checksums.
IPv4 relies on checksums to detect errors in transit.
Plus, they can be intentionally altered by cyberattackers.
In other words,they consume more data processing and transfer timeand provide little in the way of security.
IPv6 headers also replaced IPv4s Options field with the Next Header field.
The old section was used for optional tasks, such as testing, security, and specifying packet paths.
In IPv4 addressing, the sender and all forwarding routers can fragment packets to facilitate data transfer.
The overhead will also increase with the number of headers that need processing.
By allowing packet flow identification,IPv6 addressing enhances QoS handling.
IPv6 headers include a Flow Label field that displays a packets location in the data block.
The most common example of a DHCP server is the router in a home connection.
With IPv6, the configuration can be made through either SLAAC (Stateless Address Auto-Configuration) or DHCPv6.
Reliable Transmissions
Both IPv4 and IPv6 offer multicast and unicast transmission types.
On the other hand,multicast is the base setting in IPv6 addressing.
In this protocol, a host can transmit a message to selected computers in the online grid.
This prevents transmission bottlenecks and enhances data security by preventing unintentional data transfer.
Its a protocol that enhances web connection communications by setting up secure connections through encryption and authentication.
Better Speeds
IPv6s advanced features make it naturally fasterthan its predecessor.
First, its simplified packet headers make data transfer seamless.
Its strict fragmentation rules also reduce transmission errors.
Since IPv6 provides near-unlimited unique addresses, it no longer needs NAT.
In short,it promotes end-to-end connectivitybetween devices and websites, which often results in a faster connection.
Is IPv6 VPN-Friendly?
Despite all its benefits,most VPNs still lack support for IPv6.
This could leak your IPv6 address, which makes the VPN useless.
Plus,an IPv6 leak may expose your online activities to your ISP.
IPv4 vs. IPv6: Which Is Better for Gaming?
Given its technology upgrades, theres no doubt thatIPv6 can improve your gaming experience.
First, it bypasses NAT, automatically reducing latency and offering smoother gameplay.
Its multicast setting also streamlines how data is sent from one computer to another.
In addition, IPv6s built-in QoS allows data packet sequencing.
In other words, it can prioritize gaming-related traffic, boosting gameplay speeds.
That said, you have to consider whether the game youre playing supports IPv6.
Otherwise, you dont have a choice but to stick with IPv4.
How Do You Enable or Disable IPv6?
Learning to manually activate or deactivate IPv6 on your devices will allow you to optimize internet and app usage.
IPv4 ensures that all websites and networks remain accessible, while IPv6 improves security and performance.
Additionally,avoid manually disabling IPv6 if its activated by default.
Sometimes, your ISP may already be mainly using IPv6, so deactivating it can cause connectivity issues.
Why Isnt Everyone Switching to IPv6?
Plus,no enterprise wants to be the first to switch.
But, since IPv4 is still perfectly functional, no one seems to be stepping up to the plate.
As for individual users and applications,compatibility is the main roadblock to moving to IPv6.
Still, thefull IPv6 transition is inevitable.
It will likely happen through incremental changes to spare end users from dealing with incompatibility and online grid failures.
Even so, IPv4 remains relevant and relied upon by most of the world.
So, to get the best of both worlds, we recommend activating both protocols on all your devices.
That way, you would be well-equipped to adapt to online technology advancements that are sure to come.
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