IPv4 and IPv6 are Internet protocols that allow you to connect members of the network (both global, that is, the Internet, and local, providing everyone with a specific address).
IPv4 was developed in 1980 and is still in use. Its main problem is the lack of free addresses. Because they have a 32-bit representation, their number is limited to 4.2 billion, which is symbolic because the number was roughly the same as the number of people on Earth in the year that the protocol was launched.
This number of addresses is sufficient for any local network. But the rapid development of the Internet, the connection of new devices and the need for new addresses have led to the development and implementation of a new protocol – IPv6.
The number of possible addresses when connecting via IPv6 protocol is about 2128. It is supposed that it will be enough not only for decades, but also for centuries even if we will use Internet of things to which each device or a living organism connects.
But besides the possibility to use a large number of addresses, IPv6 protocol has both advantages and disadvantages.
IPv4 protocol | IPv6 protocol | |
Popularity | As of 2019, it is much more popular (75% of devices), as it actually meets all the needs. | Actively distributed only in some countries, including the USA, Germany, Greece. The number of devices increases 2.5 times each year. |
Authorization | Each network connection is accompanied by address determination via a DHCP server. | Network access is automatic thanks to DHCPv6 protocol. |
Security | Due to the absence of the Internet as such at the time of creation of the protocol, it did not provide any protection. Initially, the technology was used for a secure military network, and it was only with the development of the Internet that it was adapted for wide access. | The protocol not only encrypts the traffic, but also checks the integrity of the transmitted data packets.
This is possible with built-in security in the form of authentication and encryption. |
Проблемы | Despite the drawbacks, the number of failures is much lower than the current popularity is explained. | The probability of a failure is 8 times higher (RIPE report), which in many cases results in a delay in data transfer. |
IPv6 is a new technology, but it is gaining popularity quite slowly. The reason: today the IPv4 protocol satisfies all the needs of network users. Among them are both consumers and content creators.
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