What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6
What is an IP address
An IP address is a unique identifier that looks approximately like this: 192.168.0.1:3821. The first 4 numbers are the “phone number” assigned to each device connected to the Internet, and the last number after the colon is the connection port. Previously, this was enough to provide each device with its own unique identifier. But the number of devices connected to the Internet is constantly growing. And IPv4 addresses are no longer sufficient to assign a separate IP address to each device, simply because there are not enough free combinations (the maximum number in the address can be 255).
Therefore, a new standard was introduced — IPv6. In this case, an IP address looks like this: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.
So:
- IPv4 is an older standard, but still the most widely used;
- IPv6 is a more modern protocol that came to replace IPv4.
But this is not the only difference between IPv4 and IPv6. For now, they are used simultaneously. So which is better: IPv4 or IPv6? The latter is more modern and therefore seems preferable at first glance. But why hasn’t everyone switched to IPv6 yet? For example, most providers still use IPv4.
Why hasn’t everyone switched to IPv6 yet
If there are not enough IP addresses, why hasn’t everyone switched to IPv6 yet? The key reasons are:
- Compatibility issues. A lot of legacy software and widely used equipment simply does not fully support IPv6.
- The transition to the new protocol requires additional investment in equipment. For large companies, this may create a significant budget burden.
- The presence of intermediate solutions. For example, NAT technology allows “saving” IP addresses. How does it work? A large network has one IPv4 address, and all devices connected to it use internal temporary addresses.
- No immediate need. For the average user, there is no difference between IPv4 and IPv6. It does not affect Internet speed, service availability, or website functionality.
As a result, IPv4 and IPv6 are currently used simultaneously and in parallel, but eventually, the transition to the new protocol will be completed. However, analysts believe it will take about 30 more years.
Key differences between the protocols
| Parameter | IPv4 | IPv6 |
| Address format | 32 bits | 128 bits |
| Example | 192.168.1.1 | 2001:db8:85a3::8a2e:370:7334 |
| Number of possible addresses | Approximately 4.3 billion | 3.4 × 1038 (virtually unlimited) |
| Configuration method | Manual or DHCP | Automatic via SLAAC protocol |
| Security | Not built into the protocol | Integrated IPsec protection |
| Routing | Complex, often requires NAT | Simpler, no NAT |
| Compatibility | Supported everywhere by all equipment | Requires IT infrastructure upgrades |
The main difference between IPv4 and IPv6 lies in the number of available addresses. Even if the number of devices connected to the Internet grows exponentially, IPv6 will be sufficient for many years to come.
Advantages of IPv6
The comparison table shows that there are also functional differences between IPv4 and IPv6. What are the advantages of the newer protocol? They include:
- unlimited number of identifiers;
- no need for NAT, making network scaling easier;
- enhanced security standards;
- automatic configuration, simplifying setup and reducing the risk of conflicts between devices;
- more efficient routing, reducing the load on routers;
- simplified optimization that speeds up data processing, which is important for VoIP, video calls, streaming, etc.
Support for IPv6 is gradually expanding. More and more software and hardware support this protocol.
Hosting with IPv6 support
If you are choosing hosting for a website, application, online store, or even a Telegram bot, there is a 99% chance you will still be using IPv4 addresses. Although the use of IPv6 has grown significantly in recent years, most of the Internet still runs on IPv4. IPv6 is usually used where a very large number of addresses is required.
Our company XServer offers virtual and dedicated server rental services. Our equipment supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols with dual stack. Additional advantages: affordable prices, flexible server configuration, convenient scalability, backup services, and reliable protection of your resources. We also assist with server selection and initial configuration. In addition, we provide 24/7 technical support. So if you need server rental, XServer will be your best option!
So, IPv4 and IPv6 are two versions of the same protocol but with different capabilities. IPv4 can no longer fully meet the needs of the rapidly growing network, while IPv6 completely solves this issue and provides safer use of the “World Wide Web.” The transition to the updated protocol is already underway, but gradually and very slowly.