What is the Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6? Beginner’s Guide

The internet we access today is based on communication between network devices, servers, and computers in computer networks. To enable this communication to function, each device should have a unique address. That address is known as an IP address (Internet Protocol address).

IPv4 was the foundation of the internet for decades. However, when billions of devices connected, the IPv4 addresses began to run out. This is how IPv6, the next-gen protocol, came into existence. If you are new to networking or studying for certifications such as CCNA, knowing what is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6 is a must.

In this UniNets introduction, we will describe how IPv4 differs from IPv6, cover the IPv4 packet header, demonstrate how network devices handle them, and illustrate how concepts such as routing and network device types relate to one another.

What is IPv4?

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is the fourth iteration of the IP protocol. It has a 32-bit addressing structure, which allows it to deliver about 4.3 billion unique addresses. When the internet was initially developed, this was more than sufficient. But with the advent of smartphones, IoT devices, and billions of users globally, IPv4 addresses are now nearly depleted.

An IPv4 address would appear as follows:

192.168.1.1

What is IPv6?

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the newer internet protocol that will eventually replace IPv4. It is a 128-bit addressing system, and it allows for trillions upon trillions of addresses. This provides enough addresses so that the internet will never run out of addresses.

An example of an IPv6 address is this:

2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

IPv4 Packet Header Explained

Each data packet that travels over a network contains a header. The IPv4 packet header has important information including:

Source IP address

Destination IP address

Time-to-Live (TTL)

Protocol type

Header length

Network devices in computer networks like routers and switches extract these fields to send data properly. For instance, during routing, a router examines the destination IP address in the IPv4 header to determine the best path for the packet.

IPv6 also contains a header, but it's minimal to improve routing efficiency.

IPv4 vs IPv6: Major Differences

Let's now compare IPv4 and IPv6 directly to know their differences:

Address Length

IPv4: 32-bit, expressed in dotted decimal notation.

IPv6: 128-bit, expressed in hexadecimal notation.

Number of Addresses

IPv4: Approximately 4.3 billion distinct addresses.

IPv6: Essentially unlimited (3.4 x 10^38).

Header Format

IPv4 packet header is complex with numerous fields.

IPv6 header is reduced, so it's quicker for network devices to process.

Routing Efficiency

IPv4 routing can be complicated in big networks.

IPv6 employs simplified routing, enhancing efficiency.

Security

IPv4 calls for other protocols such as IPSec to ensure security.

IPv6 supports IPSec natively.

When you wonder, "what is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?", these details explain why IPv6 is the future of networking.

The Role of Network Devices in IPv4 and IPv6

The devices you have in a network—routers, switches, firewalls, and gateways—need to comprehend IP addressing.

A router, for instance, extracts the destination address from the IPv4 packet header or IPv6 header for routing traffic.

A switch operates with MAC addresses, but in the case of IP-based networks, it indirectly facilitates IPv4 and IPv6 communication.

Firewalls examine IP headers for filtering and protecting traffic.

Whether IPv4 or IPv6 is utilized, these network devices facilitate good communication between applications and users.

Why IPv6 Matters for Routing?

Routing refers to the selection of paths for data packets in a network. With IPv4, routing tables have the potential to become extremely large, resulting in inefficiencies. IPv6 was built with easier addressing and routing in mind.

For instance, in IPv6:

Headers are reduced in size and easier to process for routers.

Hierarchical addressing minimizes the size of routing tables.

Auto-configuration eases device configuration relative to IPv4.

This makes network devices in computer networks more efficient with IPv6 and enhances performance in worldwide networks.

IPv4 vs IPv6 in Networking Certifications: What is CCNA?

If you are just beginning your career in networking, you might ask yourself, what is CCNA?

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is a universal acknowledged certification level for beginners in networking. It addresses basic material such as:

Types of network devices (routers, switches, firewalls).

IPv4 packet header and addressing.

Comparison of IPv4 and IPv6 and migration plans.

Routing protocols and how they operate.

At UniNets, our CCNA course provides students with a real experience in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. With live labs, live exercises, and skilled trainers, learners become confident to configure and debug network devices in live environments.

Is IPv4 or IPv6 Better?

When we compare IPv4 and IPv6, it's obvious that IPv6 is the future. IPv4, though, is still used extensively because:

Several legacy network devices and applications have IPv4 support only.

The upgrade to IPv6 requires time and effort.

Currently, most networks operate in dual-stack mode, meaning they have both IPv4 and IPv6 support simultaneously. It helps maintain compatibility while gradually moving towards IPv6.

Conclusion

Grasping what is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6 is vital for anyone studying networking. IPv4, with its IPv4 packet header and constrained address space, has driven the internet for many decades. But as address demand increases, IPv6 provides a compelling solution with essentially limitless space, reduced routing complexity, and enhanced security.

At UniNets, we are of the view that learning these protocols is the cornerstone of networking training. By studying network device types, understanding how IP packets are treated by them, and pursuing CCNA certification, you can develop skills to become a successful networking professional.

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