The internet relies on unique addresses to identify and locate devices. These addresses, like your real-world house address called IP addresses. This KB article will explore the two main versions of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6, explaining their key differences and addressing the question of speed.
IPv4: The Workhorse of the Early Internet
IPv4, introduced in 1983, has a 32-bit address structure, allowing for a theoretical maximum of around 4.3 billion unique addresses. However, inefficient allocation practices in the past nearly depleted the pool of available IPv4 addresses.
IPv6: The Future of IP Addressing
IPv6, the next-generation IP address format, introduced in 1999, utilizes a 128-bit address structure capable of supporting 2^128 internet addresses. It was developed to address the limitations of IPv4. This vast address space supports the continued growth of the internet and the ever-increasing number of connected devices.
Comparing IPv4 and IPv6 features:
| Feature | IPv4 | IPv6 |
| Address Size | 32 bits | 128 bits |
| Address Format | 4 numbers | 8 groups of 4 hexadecimal digits |
| Address Space | Limited (approximately 4.3 billion) | Vast (approximately 340 undecillion) |
| Header Format | Simple | More Complex |
| Network Setup | Manual or DHCP | Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC) |
| Security Features | Optional (IPsec can be added) | Built-in IPsec support |
| Mobility Support | Limited | Improved support for mobile devices and mobility |
| Routing Protocols | RIP, IPsec, optional | RIPng, native IPsec |
Which is faster, IPv4 or IPv6?
IPv6 is faster than IPv4, as IPV6 has NAT, faster routing, and packet processing having high-speed network processing, and it offers:
- Connectionless network service
- Simple Virtual communication layer
- Requires less memory
- Simplifies address recall
IPv6 features are for Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC) and Quality of Service (QoS) support. Regarding addressing and routing, IPv4 relies on RIP for routing, and IPv6 employs static routes, IP layer security (IPSEC), and mobile IP.
Security-wise, IPv6 has more enhanced security features than IPv4 having Built-in IPsec support and improved data integrity. It allows for configuring integrity settings, further enhancing its security capabilities, and offering more robust protection. IPv6 considered the more secure choice for future internet communications having additional security measures such as firewalls, NATs, VPNs, etc.,
Understanding the differences between IPv4 and IPv6 is crucial in today’s ever-evolving internet landscape. IPv6 offers a significant advantage in terms of address space and security, laying the foundation for the future of internet growth. Contact our support team for any further assistance or inquiries. You can learn more about How to Change the Site’s IP Address from WHM.