In the digital world, where billions of devices connect and communicate, Internet Protocol (IP)

Addresses play a crucial role. These addresses are what allow devices to identify and locate
each other on a network.

To know all about IP Addresses - refer to What is an IP Address?

Currently, there are two primary versions of Internet Protocol in use: IPv4 and IPv6. Each
version has distinct characteristics, capabilities, and was developed to meet the specific needs of
the internet's growth. IPv4 was the first to be widely implemented, laying the groundwork for
early network communications.

However, as the internet grew and more devices started connecting online, the limitations of IPv4
became clear, leading to the creation of IPv6. This newer version was designed to address the
shortcomings of its predecessor and to future-proof the network against an ever-increasing
demand for more addresses and improved network efficiency.

Let’s explore their differences, why both are still in use, and the advantages each offers.

Table of Content

 What is IPv4?

 What is IPv6?

 Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6

 Benefits of IPv6 over IPv4

 Why IPv4 is Still in Use?

What is IPv4?

IPv4, or Internet Protocol version 4, is the original addressing system of the Internet, introduced
in 1983. It uses a 32-bit address scheme, which theoretically allows for over 4 billion unique
addresses (2^32). IPv4 addresses are typically displayed in decimal format, divided into four
octets separated by dots. For example, 192.168.1.1 is a common IPv4 address you might find in
a home network.

IPv4 Address Format

IPv4 Address Format is a 32-bit Address that comprises binary digits separated by a dot (.).

IPv4 Address
Format
Characteristics of IPv4

 32-bit address length: Allows for approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses.

 Dot-decimal notation: IP addresses are written in a format of four decimal numbers

separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.1.

 Packet structure: Includes a header and payload; the header contains information
essential for routing and delivery.

 Checksum fields: Uses checksums in the header for error-checking the header integrity.

 Fragmentation: Allows packets to be fragmented at routers along the route if the packet
size exceeds the maximum transmission unit (MTU).

 Address Resolution Protocol (ARP): Used for mapping IP network addresses to the
hardware addresses used by a data link protocol.

 Manual and DHCP configuration: Supports both manual configuration of IP addresses

and dynamic configuration through DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).

 Limited address space: The main limitation which has led to the development of IPv6 to
cater to more devices.

 Network Address Translation (NAT): Used to allow multiple devices on a private

network to share a single public IP address.

 Security: Lacks inherent security features, requiring additional protocols such as IPSec for
secure communications.

Drawbacks of IPv4

 Limited Address Space : IPv4 has a limited number of addresses, which is not enough for
the growing number of devices connecting to the internet.

 Complex Configuration : IPv4 often requires manual configuration or DHCP to assign

addresses, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

 Less Efficient Routing : The IPv4 header is more complex, which can slow down data
processing and routing.

 Security Issues : IPv4 does not have built-in security features, making it more vulnerable
to attacks unless extra security measures are added.

 Limited Support for Quality of Service (QoS) : IPv4 has limited capabilities for
prioritizing certain types of data, which can affect the performance of real-time applications
like video streaming and VoIP.

 Fragmentation : IPv4 allows routers to fragment packets, which can lead to inefficiencies
and increased chances of data being lost or corrupted.

 Broadcasting Overhead : IPv4 uses broadcasting to communicate with multiple devices

on a network, which can create unnecessary network traffic and reduce performance.
What is IPv6?

Another most common version of the Internet Protocol currently is IPv6. The well-known IPv6
protocol is being used and deployed more often, especially in mobile phone markets. IPv6 was
designed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) in December 1998 with the purpose of
superseding IPv4 due to the global exponentially growing internet of users.

IPv6 stands for Internet Protocol version 6. IPv6 is the new version of Internet Protocol, which is
way better than IPv4 in terms of complexity and efficiency. IPv6 is written as a group of 8
hexadecimal numbers separated by colon (:). It can be written as 128 bits of 0s and 1s.

IPv6 Address Format

IPv6 Address Format is a 128-bit IP Address, which is written in a group of 8 hexadecimal

numbers separated by colon (:).

IPv6 Address Format

To switch from IPv4 to IPv6, there are several strategies:

 Dual Stacking : Devices can use both IPv4 and IPv6 at the same time. This way, they can
talk to networks and devices using either version.

 Tunneling : This method allows IPv6 users to send data through an IPv4 network to reach
other IPv6 users. Think of it as creating a "tunnel" for IPv6 traffic through the older IPv4
system.

 Network Address Translation (NAT) : NAT helps devices using different versions of IP
addresses (IPv4 and IPv6) to communicate with each other by translating the addresses so
they understand each other.

Characteristics of IPv6

 IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses, offering a much larger address space than IPv4's 32-bit
system.

 IPv6 addresses use a combination of numbers and letters separated by colons, allowing for
more unique addresses.

 The IPv6 header has fewer fields, making it more efficient for routers to process.
  IPv6 supports Unicast, Multicast, and Anycast, but no Broadcast, reducing network traffic.

 IPv6 allows flexible subnetting (VLSM) to divide networks based on specific needs.

 IPv6 uses Neighbor Discovery for MAC address resolution instead of ARP.

 IPv6 uses advanced routing protocols like OSPFv3 and RIPng for better address handling.

 IPv6 devices can self-assign IP addresses using SLAAC, or use DHCPv6 for more control.

 IPv6 handles fragmentation at the sender side, not by routers, improving speed.

Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6

IPv4 IPv6

IPv4 has a 32-bit address length IPv6 has a 128-bit address length

It Supports Manual and DHCP address It supports Auto and renumbering address
configuration configuration

In IPv4 end to end, connection integrity is In IPv6 end-to-end, connection integrity is

Unachievable Achievable

The address space of IPv6 is quite large it can

It can generate 4.29x10 9 address space
produce 3.4x10 38 address space

The Security feature is dependent on the IPSEC is an inbuilt security feature in the IPv6
application protocol

Address representation of IPv4 is in

Address representation of IPv6 is in hexadecimal
decimal

Fragmentation performed by Sender and In IPv6 fragmentation is performed only by the

forwarding routers sender

In IPv4 Packet flow identification is not In IPv6 packet flow identification are Available
available and uses the flow label field in the header

In IPv4 checksum field is available In IPv6 checksum field is not available

IPv4 IPv6

It has a broadcast Message Transmission In IPv6 multicast and anycast message

Scheme transmission scheme is available

In IPv4 Encryption and Authentication In IPv6 Encryption and Authentication are

facility not provided provided

IPv4 has a header of 20-60 bytes. IPv6 has a header of 40 bytes fixed

IPv4 can be converted to IPv6 Not all IPv6 can be converted to IPv4

IPv4 consists of 4 fields which are IPv6 consists of 8 fields, which are separated by a
separated by addresses dot (.) colon (:)

IPv4's IP addresses are divided into five

different classes. Class A , Class B, Class IPv6 does not have any classes of the IP address.
C, Class D , Class E.

IPv4 supports VLSM( Variable Length

IPv6 does not support VLSM.
subnet mask ).

Example of IPv6:
Example of IPv4: 66.94.29.13
2001:0000:3238:DFE1:0063:0000:0000:FEFB

Benefits of IPv6 over IPv4

The recent Version of IP IPv6 has a greater advantage over IPv4. Here are some of the mentioned
benefits:

 Larger Address Space: IPv6 has a greater address space than IPv4, which is required for
expanding the IP Connected Devices. IPv6 has 128 bit IP Address rather and IPv4 has a 32-
bit Address.

 Improved Security: IPv6 has some improved security which is built in with it. IPv6 offers
security like Data Authentication, Data Encryption, etc. Here, an Internet Connection is
more Secure.
  Simplified Header Format: As compared to IPv4, IPv6 has a simpler and more effective
header Structure, which is more cost-effective and also increases the speed of Internet
Connection.

 Prioritize: IPv6 contains stronger and more reliable support for QoS features, which helps
in increasing traffic over websites and increases audio and video quality on pages.

 Improved Support for Mobile Devices: IPv6 has increased and better support for Mobile
Devices. It helps in making quick connections over other Mobile Devices and in a safer way
than IPv4.

Why IPv4 is Still in Use?

1. Infrastructure Compatibility Many systems and devices are built for IPv4 and require
significant updates to support IPv6, including routers, switches, and computers.

2. Cost of Transition - Switching to IPv6 can be expensive and complex, involving hardware
updates, software upgrades, and training for personnel.

3. Lack of Immediate Need - Techniques like NAT (Network Address Translation) help
extend the life of IPv4 by allowing multiple devices to share a single public IP address,
reducing the urgency to switch to IPv6.

4. Coexistence Strategies - Technologies that allow IPv4 and IPv6 to run simultaneously
make it easier for organizations to adopt IPv6 gradually while maintaining their existing
IPv4 systems.

5. Slow Global Adoption - The adoption of IPv6 varies significantly around the world, which
necessitates the continued support of IPv4 for global connectivity.

6. Lack of Visible Benefits - Many users and organizations don't see immediate
improvements with IPv6 if they don't face an IP address shortage, reducing the incentive to
upgrade.

Conclusion

The shift from IPv4 to IPv6 is more than just an expansion of address space; it represents a
necessary evolution in internet architecture to accommodate future growth and innovation.
Understanding these differences helps not only in appreciating how the internet works but also in
foreseeing how technology will continue to evolve to meet the needs of an increasingly
connected world.