The Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6 Addresses
When you stream from an online platform, send messages, it all happens with an IP address. Each device has a unique IP address. It tells the internet on which device to send data. If there’s no IP address tour device cannot connect to the internet or share data with different devices. There are mainly two types of IPs: IPv4 and IPv6. In this blog, learn IPv4 vs IPv6 differences, understanding them is important for networking. Internet protocol addresses are essential for connecting devices to the internet and allowing them to communicate with one another.
To keep your identity safe on the internet and to stay anonymous, use iProVPN on both IPv4 and IPv6.
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What Is an IP Address?
An IP address is like a unique address for your device to connect your device to the internet. An IP address has great significance, and without it, you can’t connect your device to any network. Moreover, any data and information you receive over the internet is because of an IP address. Know more in details about What is an IP address from here.
What Is IPv4?
IPv4 is the fourth version. It helps you to have a conversation over the internet, and you when you access any website on Google with an IPv4, it will send you data on the exact address.
Moreover, IPv4 was created in the early 90s, and the creator wouldn’t have an idea that too many devices would connect to the internet. And unfortunately, IPv4 addresses got less. Still, internet users prefer it since it is reliable and fast. Engineers know this, and they started to create IPv6; then there were two IPs, IPv4 and IPv6.
Advantages of IPv4
Some of the IPv4 advantages that users still find and appreciate using are:
- Compatibility: IPv4 works on all devices, whether a laptop, a computer, a tablet, or a phone, and other devices that work over the internet.
- Simple Configuration: There are no complex steps in the configuration of IPv4; assign an IP address yourself, or DHCP can do it automatically.
- Trusted IP: Since this IP address is in use for longer periods, and works well, having many tutorials and guides.
Disadvantages of IPv4
Here are some disadvantages of IPv4 when using it:
- Limited IPs: IPv4 only have 32 bit address, and for future devices, they are limited.
- Costly: IPv4 addresses are short, and if you need them, they will cost extra.
- Depend on NAT: Multiple devices are connected to IPv4, and it makes data transfer slow.
What Is IPv6?
IPv6 came out after IPv4 became limited. IPv6 uses more address bit which do not limit the number of IP addresses, which means IPV6 can never run out, for all the devices on earth to launch later can have IPv6.
Furthermore, after it was launched, users started to compare IPv4 and IPv6. IPv6 has a major role in improving the internet, as there is no fear of IP address loss. Additionally, it has good speed and security.
Advantages of IPv6
IPv6 has the following advantages, and many users like to use this IP:
- Unlimited IP Address: Has a 128- bit address, used to create lots of addresses that are enough for future devices that will come.
- Security: IPv6 is integrated with IPSec, which keeps your data encrypted automatically, and your data can’t be modified.
- Simple Subnetting: Subnetting on IPv6 is simple, and network administration can split the network quickly.
Disadvantages of IPv6
Although IPv6 is better, there are some cons to it as well, as follows:
- Difficult Setup: IPv6 is a bit harder to set and while setting it up, some errors can com,e up. A professional can set it without any issues.
- Compatibility: Still, some sites use IPv4, IPv6 is less commonand limited to some sites only.
- IP Address: Because fo longer address size, IPv6 is tough to remember.
Also Read: How to Change IP Address on Android Phone in 7 Simple Steps
What Is the Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6?
The following is the IPv4 vs IPv6 difference table:
Features |
IPv4 |
IPv6 |
| Address Size | 32 Bit address size | 128 Bit address size. |
| Total Addresses | 4.3 billion addresses and more. | An unlimited number of addresses. |
| Configuration Method | Manual or DHCP setup. | Manual or SLAAC, DHCPv6 setup. |
| Security | Data travels without much security. | Built in Security like IPSec. |
| Fragmentation | Both the sender and routers can break packets. | Only the sender can break the packets. |
| Address Format | In Dotted Decimal Notation | In Hexadecimal Notation. |
| Header Checksum | Every packet has a header checksum. | The header checksum is removed. |
The Difference in Speed & Gaming
Here is the differences between Speed and Gaming for IPv4 and IPv6.
IPv4 vs IPv6 Speed
IPv4 works fine when you browse the internet, stream from online platforms; however, it can become slow due to NAT, which is Network Address Translation router figures out to translate data among different devices on a shared IP. Moreover, it also uses header checks in which each data package is checked if data is not damaged. While IPv6 does not have a header checksum, and data is passed without slowdown, additionally it does not have a NAT nad each device have unique IP, which makes data transfer faster to the sender.
IPv4 vs IPv6 for Gaming
As compared to IPv6, IPv4 provides a slow gaming experience due to NAT, shared IP makes out delays and lags in online gaming; on the other hand, IPv6 is faster, reduces latency, and offers individual unique IPs, there’s no NAT to slow down the gaming journey.
Complications While the Transitions IPv4 to IPv6
It is necessary taht you change IPv4 to IPv6, as new platforms are using IPv6 and the devices taht will come in the future will be using this IP. Furthermore, this transition is not easy. Here are the challenges that occures while this transition.
Budget Challenge
It’s the first challenge that companies usually face, as they have to train their staff get new routers and update the old systems. It all requires a good budget. Investing one time can save you from future network issues, and IPv6 is easier to manage.
Security Challenge
When a transition happens, sometimes both IPs run together, and some security tools, like antivirus, and others are still getting traffic from IPv4. It means IPv6 is not set up properly, and hackers can find a way in to your system.
Software Issue
Software working on IPv4 can be incompatible with IPv6. Developers need to check whether the software can work on both or only supports IPv4. If not, then it becomes difficult and more work for the developers to make changes in the code.
IPv4 vs IPv6: Which Is Better?
Both of these IPs are important. IPv4 is still used by many websites still use it, and it is easy to configure. IPv6 has a better speed; however, its setup is difficult and has limited IP addresses. This results in no IPv4 IPs will be allotted in the future to the new devices.
Conclusion
IPv4 addresses are no longer allotted because they were limited; IPv6 was launched to address this. Moreover, it is much faster because all devices get a unique IP, and it reduces data transfer slowdowns. You can stream and game well on IPv6, and its security is better as use the built-in security protocols, which keep your data secure from being tampered with. With iProVPN on both IPs will keep yourself secure online.
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IPv4 vs IPv6 - FAQs
- What is the address space of IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 has an address size of 32 bit and IPv6 has an address size of 128 bits.
- IPv4 and IPv6 which IP is better?
IPv6 performs better than IPv4, as it does not use NAT which makes data transfer slow.
- Why use iProVPN on IPv4 and IPv6?
If any website is restricted on IPv4 or IPv6, with iProVPN, you can access the site without blocks.
- Does enabling IPv6 make WiFi faster?
IPv6 reduces the latency and also do not have NAT, making the data sending and receiving faster. However, it does not impact the WiFi.
- Can IPv4 and IPv6 be used together?
There is a dual stack technology which can be used where you want to use IPv4 and IPv6 together, to use the sites that use any of the IP.
