Ipv4 vs Ipv6

IPv4 vs IPv6: What is the Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6?

What exactly is Intellectual Property?
When a device is linked to a computer network that utilizes the IP protocol for communication, it is given an IP (Internet Protocol) address, which is a number label issued to it. An IP address is a unique identifier that identifies a certain device on a specific network connection. In addition to IP address, it is often referred to as IP number or Internet address.

The IP address describes the technical format of the addressing and packets mechanism used by the Internet Protocol. The majority of networks use IP in conjunction with a TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). A virtual connection between a destination and a source can also be established using this method.

Now, in this tutorial on the differences between IPv4 and IPv6, we will discover what IPv4 and IPv6 are and how they work.

What is IPv4?

IPv4 is a version of the Internet Protocol that is extensively used to identify devices on a network through the use of an addressing scheme. It was the first version of IP to be used in a production environment, and it was deployed on the ARPANET in 1983. It makes use of a 32-bit address method to store 232 addresses, which equates to more than 4 billion addresses in total. It is regarded as the major Internet Protocol and is responsible for carrying 94 percent of all Internet traffic.

What is IPv6?

IPv6 is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol, which was released in 2009. This new IP address version is being implemented to meet the growing demand for additional Internet addresses. Its purpose was to resolve issues that were linked with IPv4 networks. It enables a total of 340 undecillion distinct address spaces using 128-bit address space. IPv6 is also referred to as IPng (Internet Protocol next generation).

The Internet Engineer Taskforce was established in the early 1990s. IPv6 is the designation given to the design and development of that suite.

Features of IPv4

IPv4 has several characteristics.
The following are the characteristics of IPv4:

Connectionless Protocols allow for the creation of a simple virtual communication layer that may be shared among a variety of devices.
The memory requirements are reduced, and it is easier to recall addresses.
Millions of devices have already adopted the protocol as a standard.
It provides video libraries as well as conferences.
IPv6 has several advantages.
The following are the characteristics of IPv6:

Features of IPv6

Infrastructure for addressing and routing in a hierarchical system
Settings options include stateful and stateless configurations.
Support for the provision of high-quality services (QoS)
An excellent protocol for inter-node communication between neighboring nodes
IPv4 and IPv6 are incompatible with one another, yet they can coexist on the same network without communicating. This is referred to as Dual Stacking.

 

IPv4 vs IPv6

IPv4 vs IPv6

 

 

Differences Between IPv4 and IPv6 Addresses

Here is the main difference between IPv4 and IPv6:

Basis for differences IPv4 IPv6
Size of IP address IPv4 is a 32-Bit IP Address. IPv6 is a 128 Bit IP Address.
Addressing method IPv4 is a numeric address, and its binary bits are separated by a dot (.) IPv6 is an alphanumeric address whose binary bits are separated by a colon (:). It also contains hexadecimal.
Number of header fields 12 8
Length of header filed 20 40
Checksum Has checksum fields Does not have checksum fields
Example 12.244.233.165 2001:0db8:0000:0000:0000:ff00:0042:7879
Type of Addresses Unicast, broadcast, and multicast. Unicast, multicast, and anycast.
Number of classes IPv4 offers five different classes of IP Addresses. Class A to E. lPv6 allows storing an unlimited number of IP Addresses.
Configuration You have to configure a newly installed system before it can communicate with other systems. In IPv6, the configuration is optional, depending upon on functions needed.
VLSM support IPv4 supports VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Mask). IPv6 does not offer support for VLSM.
Fragmentation Fragmentation is done by sending and forwarding routes. Fragmentation is done by the sender.
Routing Information Protocol (RIP) RIP is a routing protocol supported by the routed daemon. RIP does not support IPv6. It uses static routes.
Network Configuration Networks need to be configured either manually or with DHCP. IPv4 had several overlays to handle Internet growth, which require more maintenance efforts. IPv6 supports autoconfiguration capabilities.
Best feature Widespread use of NAT (Network address translation) devices which allows a single NAT address can mask thousands of
non-routable addresses, making end-to-end
integrity achievable.
It allows direct addressing because of vast address
Space.
Address Mask Use for the designated network from the host portion. Not used.
SNMP SNMP is a protocol used for system management. SNMP does not support IPv6.
Mobility & Interoperability Relatively constrained network topologies to which move restrict mobility and interoperability capabilities. IPv6 provides interoperability and mobility
capabilities that are embedded in network devices.
Security Security is dependent on applications – IPv4 was not designed with security in mind. IPSec(Internet Protocol Security) is built into the IPv6 protocol, usable with
proper key infrastructure.
Packet size Packet size 576 bytes required, fragmentation optional 1208 bytes required without fragmentation
Packet fragmentation Allows from routers and sending host Sending hosts only
Packet header Does not identify packet flow for QoS handling which includes checksum options. Packet head contains Flow Label field that specifies packet flow for QoS handling
DNS records Address (A) records, maps hostnames Address (AAAA) records, maps hostnames
Address configuration Manual or via DHCP Stateless address autoconfiguration using Internet Control Message Protocol version 6 (ICMPv6) or DHCPv6
IP to MAC resolution Broadcast ARP Multicast Neighbour Solicitation
Local subnet Group management Internet Group Management Protocol GMP) Multicast Listener Discovery (MLD)
Optional Fields Has Optional Fields Does not have optional fields. But Extension headers are available.
IPSec Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) concerning network security is optional Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) Concerning network security is mandatory
Dynamic host configuration Server Clients have approached DHCS (Dynamic Host Configuration server) whenever they want to connect to a network. A Client does not have to approach any such server as they are given permanent addresses.
Mapping Uses ARP(Address Resolution Protocol) to map to MAC address Uses NDP(Neighbour Discovery Protocol) to map to MAC address
Combability with mobile devices IPv4 address uses the dot-decimal notation. That’s why it is not suitable for mobile networks. IPv6 address is represented in hexadecimal, colon-separated notation.
IPv6 is better suited to mobile
networks.

Summary

Exactly what is the distinction between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 and IPv6 addresses are both binary numbers, and they are both used for Internet Protocol addresses. IPv4 addresses are represented by a 32-bit binary number, whereas IPv6 addresses are represented by a 128-bit binary number. Internet Protocol (IP) address pairs are separated by periods, whereas Internet Protocol (IP) address pairs are separated by colons.

Both IP addresses and hostnames are used to identify computers that are linked to a network. The fundamental principles of the two are nearly the same, however, their operational principles diverge.

Which is better, IPv4 or IPv6?
It is the fourth version of the Internet Protocol (IP), whereas IPv6 is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol, which was released in 2008. So as compared to the IPv4 protocol, IPv6 is more modern, secure, and faster.