IPv4 vs. IPv6: Explain the Differences 

Nowadays, more than millions of devices connect online because the Internet of Things(IoT) is continuously in exponential growth. This growth with agility has created a fear of running out of addresses. However, it seems like this hypothesis is to be confirmed very soon.

But you don’t have to fear; the Internet is not reaching an endpoint. There is an unfolding for diminishing IPv4 address issue. I will let you know the answer later in this guide and suggest creating multiple addresses and outlines. Also, you’ll get to know what problems you would face or need to handle with the IoT growth by adopting the new technology of IPv6. 

Through this guide, you can learn many things, including how different versions of Internet protocols (IPv4 Vs. IPv6) play a vast or vital role in the Internet’s Future and progression. We also cover the topic to reveal how the newer(IPv6) version is superior to the old version(IPv4). Let’s get started!

How does an IP Address Work?

I.P. is the most common word used in the  world of the Internet of Things implies “Internet Protocol.” It refers to a set of governed rules for the data packets transmitted across the Internet. 

From online information to traffic flows over multiple networks, all is possible because of unique IP addresses. However, every device connected to the computer network or Internet gets an individual address of numerical and alphabetical series used to identify communication destinations. 

Your IP identifies the address of your device on a particular or, we can say, specified network. The address you get is a technical network format that connects IP with a Transmission Control Protocol(TCP) network. This process facilitates virtual links between a source and a destination. Without a Unique IP address, your device doesn’t communicate with the other channels across the network. 

IP addresses typically do the job of normalizing the interaction among the machines. They swap the data packets, which consume the data bits. It plays the most prominent part in loading web pages, emails, instant texting, and other applications that involve data transfers. 

Many components enable traffic to swirl across the Internet. At some point, when the network starts receiving traffic, data packages are encapsulated in a box. This data encapsulation process is also called the “Datagram.” It is a Data Packet, or we can say a part of Internet Protocol.

So, to transport data across the Internet, you should require a network stack. IP is just a single part of a stack. The stack can be quarterly divided along with the application components at the top and the Data Link at the Bottom. 

Stack:

• Application – HTTP, FTP, POP3, SMTP
• Transport – TCP, UDP
• Networking – I.P., ICMP
• Datalink – Ethernet, ARP

Being an Internet user, you’re most probably user-friendly with the application layer. It’s the most interactive interface that you meet daily. Anytime when you hit enter after typing something in the search bar of your system is an application.  

Let’s understand with the example: 

You might use the Email application. Right? So, at some point, you configure the Email setting and come across the POP3(Post Office Protocol 3), i.e., a standard method for receiving emails and SMTP. POP3 configurations ensure to collect and clutch the email until you receive it.

What is IPv4?

IPv4, Internet Protocol version 4 is a protocol used on a vast platform for data communications over multiple networks. The fourth version of IP is popular because of the connectionless protocol, developed for using packet-switched layer networks like Ethernet.  The primary responsibility of IPv4 is to cater to the logical connection between network devices over the web, which includes the unique IP address. 

The IPv4 model is structured and designed on the best-effort model to ensure on-time data delivery and uniqueness. This is because of the upper layer transport protocol such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). This version is flexible and can easily be configured by you with an ample range of versatile devices depending on the network type.

Technology Behind IPv4

Internet Protocol Version 4 is defined in the Internet Engineering Task Force’s (IETF) publications RFC 71. This is highly used in the packet-switched link layer in OSI (Open System Interconnection) model. 

This model uses five 32 bit IPv4 addresses Size for Ethernet Communication: A, B, C, D, and E. 

Where, 

A, B, and C = different bit lengths for dealing with network hosts.

D= For Multi Casting

E= Reserver for Future Use

-Subnet Mask of Class A – 255.0.0.0 or /8

-Subnet Mask of Class B – 255.255.0.0 or /16

-Subnet Mask of Class C – 255.255.255.0 or /24

Example: Consider a default IP address 192.168.0.0 with a /18 subnet mask that can use addresses ranging from 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.63.255. Note: The address 192.168.63.255 is reserved only for broadcasting within the users. Here, the IPv4 can assign host addresses to a maximum of 232 end users.

Internet protocol version 4 follows the standard decimal notation:

171.30.2.5

• It is a unique 32-bit logical IPv4 address Size.
• It carries 4.3 billion unique addresses.
• Each group is composed of 8 bits(octet).
• Each number ranges from 0-255.
• At ), all bits are set to 0, and that of 255 is 1.
• You can use binary representation for the above address.

Future of IPv4

IPv4 addresses seem to be running out soon from the internet market after the deployment of IPv6. You will be left with this viable option for long-term internet growth. 

In October 2019, RIPE NCC, one of the 5 Regional Internet Registries, ensured assigning IP addresses to the ISPs(Internet Service Providers) in more than 80 countries. So, it’s recorded that only 1 million IPv4 addresses were left. Due to these shortcomings, IPv6 IP address comes into the spotlight as a standard solution because it offers more address space than IPv4, i.e., 128-bit(2128 nodes). 

Recovered Addresses are only assigned via a waiting list. A couple Hundred Thousand Addresses can be allotted per year. But, this is not enough to accomplish the requirements of a million global networks. Also, the outgrowth tends to force network tools to rely on robust solutions to work throughout left available addresses. Further, the countdown to 0 IPv4 addresses implies that enterprises across the globe should buy more IP resources stock, find a temporary solution, and look out for the Internet Protocol version 6 deployment to overwhelm the inevitable outage.

One popular solution to an overpass with IPv6 Ip address deployment is to opt for the Carrier Grade Network Address Translation (CGNAT). This technology enables you for the long-term use of IPv4 addresses. It allows a single independent IP to be allocated across thousands of devices. IPv4 secures the hole in the meantime when CGNAT cannot frequently scale. Every additional device to this network ensures a new layer on NAT that raises load and intricacy. However, it increases the chances of CGNAT shortcomings. Due to such situations, thousands of users get affected and cannot back online quickly. 

Furthermore, the IPv4 address works for trading, i.e., an IPv4 address selling and buying market that is no longer used. It is a completely risky type of game in which prices fluctuate every second based on supply and demand.  

Lack of Internet Protocol Version 4 remains a cumbersome concern for network operators. In this version, the network won’t break but seems to be at a breaking point. That’s why network operators find it challenging to scale their infrastructure for better growth. 

The lack of IPv4 becomes the reason to fill the gap left by it. Hence, introduce the new technology IPv6 for the long-term anticipation. 

How Is IPv6 Different?

Look at the below-mentioned points to know how Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6 IP address) is different from Internet Protocol version 4(IPv4).

• IPv6(Internet Protocol Version 6) is the latest version of Internet Protocol.
• IPv6 is also known as  Internet Protocol Next Generation or IPng.
• IPv6 is represented in hexadecimal format.
• It transmits data in packets from source to destination over the network. 
• IPv6 is the enhanced version of the IPv4 protocol.
• It consists of an ample range of nodes than IPv4. 
• It provides you with a massive space of up to 2128 node combinations or addresses.
• You’ll get up to eight octets to ensure more tangible scalability.
• IPv6 deals with address broadcasting without including it, similar to its predecessor.

Pros of Using IPv6

• Extensive Address Space
• EUI 64 Addressing
• Constant Auto Configurations.
• Automatic Link Local Addressing
• It caters to a 128 bit or 16-byte address, ensuring to make the address pool is around 340 trillion trillion trillion (undecillion).
• Easy to type prefix lengths on IOS
• Virtually Unlimited Host Addresses per Prefix

Cons of Using IPv6

• Harder to fit prefixes on topology drawings.
• Typing Long Address
• Configurations are not everyone’s cup of tea.

Future of IPv6 Adoption

Future Adoption of IPv6 relies on the growth of ISPs, and increasing demands for mobile carriers, large enterprises, cloud providers, data centers, and their respective migration processes. IPv4 and IPv6 IP Addresses can synchronize on lateral networks. So, there are no specific reasons for Internet Service Providers to quickly opt for IPv6 instead of Ipv4. 

But, apart from a hefty price tag, IPv6 enables new opportunities for efficient network configurations on an extensive network. It is scalable and potent which diminishes dependency on the increasingly challenging and costly IPv4 market.

Further, you can consider the difference between both IPv4 and IPv6 to know more about them in detail. So, in the next section, you’ll see what the basic difference can give you an idea about what Internet Protocol is best for your long-term network connectivity. 

Recommended: How to Check Your IP Address in Linux?

Comparing Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6

Now you have gone through the depth insights of Ipv4 vs. Ipv6 in detail. Don’t get confused. Here we summarize the basics to advance the difference between both protocols. Each has its own disadvantages and benefits.

Should I use Ipv4 or Ipv6?

Still, not being prepared for the significant switch in networks is headlong and risky. Large-scale and goal-specific businesses encompass the effectiveness, innovation, and versatility of IPv6. So, to ensure your business’s exponential Internet Growth, choosing next-generation technologies is a smart move. Therefore, you should swiftly switch from the older IPv4 version to a more efficient IPv6 to meet the digital world requirements. Also, you’ll benefit from the long-term business with the exclusive perks of IPv6 outlined in this article. So, it’s worth investing in IPv6 instead of IPv4. Therefore, you should use IPv6 over IPv4.

Hope this guide is enough to let you know which technology you should invest in. Thank You!