IPv4 vs. IPv6 – Which is better and more reliable for internet connectivity?

Are you confused by phrases like IPv4 or IPv6? Read on to understand the differences and similarities between these Internet Protocols in this IPv4 vs. IPv6 review.

With the help of IP addresses, various devices and computers can communicate and share data over the internet. As more devices continue to connect daily online, there has been a growing fear that these IPv4 addresses may soon run out, resulting in the creation of the IPv6 protocol.

Every device and computer connected to the internet has a numerical label, namely its IP address, which identifies the device as a destination for communication. Internet Protocol refers to a set of rules that govern the transmission of data packets across the internet. Without an IP address, no device can communicate or share information with another.

IPs were introduced back in 1982 as a section of ARPANET. The first experimental versions were the IPv1 and IPv3. IPv4 is the first version of Internet Protocols used publicly across the globe. Let us now look at the differences and similarities between IPv4 and Ipv6 and which is more reliable for internet connectivity.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 vs. IPv6 – How do they compare?

Size of IP address

With the ability to support about 4.29 billion IP addresses, IPv4 uses a 32-bit address for its Internet addresses. It uses a numeric address, and a dot separates its binary bits. More so, this Internet Protocol offers five different classes of IP addresses; from class A to E. Due to the numerous devices connected to the internet, the 4.29 billion IPv4 IP addresses have been assigned, leading to the IP address shortage issues faced today.

On the other hand, IPv6 offers 128-bit IP addresses, meaning it can support 1028 times more devices than IPv4, meaning there will be enough IPv6 addresses for internet devices for years to come. Likewise, IPv6 is an alphanumeric address with hexadecimal that uses a colon to separate its binary bits.

IPv6 is, therefore, a more flexible and expandable Internet Protocol as it allows the storing of an unlimited number of IP addresses.

Configuration

Another notable difference between IPv4 and IPv6 is its network configuration setup. IPv4 devices have a manually fixed IP address, or users can obtain one using a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server.

Alternatively, IPv6 has a stateless auto-configuration address using Internet Control Message Protocol version 6 (ICMPv6). With this type of configuration, devices do not need servers to assign themselves an IPv6 IP address.

Therefore, IPv6 is more convenient to use as it supports auto-configuration capabilities.

Security

Internet Protocol version 4 consists of an optional Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) or requires payment security support. As a result, end users and network providers have the option to implement this security support into their ISP settings. More so, Avast Secure Line VPN is now only compatible with IPv4 and it keeps your IP address completely hidden with end-to-end encryption that maintains anonymity and safety online.

Designed with security in mind, IPv6 comes with IP security, which is a series of IETF security protocols that ensure data integrity, authentication, and security. IPv6 also supports more secure name resolution through its Secure Neighbor Discovery (SEND) protocol that adds a security extension to the Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP).

IPv6, therefore, supports more confidential and secure support for computers and other devices.

Compatibility with mobile devices

IPv6 is more compatible with mobile devices than IPv4 due to its multi-protocol qualities. IPv4 utilizes the dot-decimal notation, which is not suitable for cellular networks. Alternatively, IPv6 uses a colon-separated and hexadecimal notation that supports IoT devices’ interoperability, including smartphones, platforms, applications, and cloud-enabled technologies, among many others.

IPv4 vs. IPv6- A comparison review

Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4)

Every device connected to the internet requires an address to receive and send information. Back in the 80s, scientists invented IPv4, a 32-bit numerical address that identified internet devices. As a result, there are 4.3 billion unique addresses, which are quickly running out due to the increased use of the internet.

IPv4 uses a total of five classes’ from class A to E, for Ethernet communication. Class A, B, and C provide addresses for network hosts with a different bit length, while Class D is mainly for multi-casting. The remaining Class E is for future use. Due to the numerous devices used to connect to the internet, soon, IPv4 will not be able to provide enough IP addresses for the world’s population; thus, the invention of IPv6.

Pros

• All computer systems support IPv4
• Simple prefixes
• Easy to remember

Cons

• Scarcity of IP addresses
• Optional security protocols

Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6)

Introduced in the late 1990s, IPv6 is the next generation of Internet Protocol intended to fulfill the need for more internet addresses. Every computer, smartphone, laptop, home automation component, IoT sensor, and other internet device requires a numerical IP address to send and receive information to other devices.

Also referred to as Internet Protocol next generation (IPng), IPv6 uses 128-bit IP addresses to provide IP addresses for more than 340 undecillion addresses. One of the more notable features of IPv6 is its in-built security protocol, which IPv4 does not offer.

It also offers a stateless auto-configuration feature that allows devices to generate an IPv6 address as soon as it turns on and connects to a network. If there is an IPv6 router, the device will create a local address and a globally routable address.

Pros

• Efficient packet processing
• Effective routing
• Simplified network configuration
• Secure
• Directed data flows

Cons

• Complex Network topology drawings
• Confused IP schemes

Conclusion

As internet connectivity continues to grow steadily, you should definitely be on the watch out for IPv6. However, in the meantime, IPv4 remains as popular today as it was when initially introduced.

Final verdict: Which is better IPv4 or IPv6?

All factors considered, IPv6 is better than IPv4 as it enlarges the world’s addressing system to provide millions of IP addresses to meet the world’s internet demands for the foreseeable future. It also offers more protection and simplified network operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is IPv6 not in use?

The implementation of IPv6 has experienced a delay due to network address translation (NAT), which translates private IP addresses into public IP addresses.

What is the use of IPv4?

Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) is the fourth version of Internet Protocol used to identify devices connected on a network through an addressing system.