Why is IPv4 more popular than IPv6?

IPv4 is more widespread than IPv6 because it was introduced earlier and assimilated on most devices and websites. Also, transitioning to IPv6 requires a lot of time and resources. So, although some companies have begun the switch, others have to stick to the simpler and cheaper option IPv4.

What is the main difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

The significant difference between the two options is that IPv6 contains more addresses than IPv4. Also, IPv6 is the newer version and is expected to replace IPv4 as its addresses are exhausting eventually. However, the transition may take some time, as upgrading the servers, switches, and routers that use IPv4 is expensive and time-consuming.

Does IPv6 have any effect on ping?

Although some unreliable evidence indicates that IPv6 helps to improve the ping, there hasn't been sufficient testing to verify the claim.

Is it possible to use IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously?

Yes. Some devices have dual-stack technology that enables them to run IPv4 and IPv6 at the same time. Otherwise, operating both IP address types on your network is almost impossible.

Will IPv6 improve my gaming experience?

Yes, to some extent. This is because, apart from producing better speed, IPv6 will assign your device its own IP address, eliminating the need for port forwarding.

Can I convert IPv4 to IPv6?

It is possible to convert IPv4 to IPv6, although only a tiny portion. This is because there are only a few IPv4 addresses compared to IPv6.

How to switch from IPv4 to IPv6?

Yes, you can change from IPv4 to IPv6 if your router, operating system, and internet service provider (ISP) support it. For instance, if you use Windows 10, you can go to Network and Sharing and check Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). However, it is good to contact your ISP before doing it.

IPv5 was canceled during the developmental stage because it relied on 32-bit addressing, the same as IPv4. So, it would have faced the same problems of insufficient address if it had come into existence. That is why it was replaced with IPv6 pretty quickly.

IPv4 vs. IPv6: Which One is Faster?

Sneak peek at IPv4 and IPv6

Computers and other devices communicate on the internet via a specific set of numerical identifiers called IP (Internet Protocol) address. Today, there are two primary functional IPs – IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6). IPv4 was launched in 1981, offering 32-bit 4.3 billion IP addresses. However, the limited number of IPs led to the invention of IPv6 addresses that employ more numbers and thus offered more 128-bit IP addresses than IPv4. Although IPv6 is more advantageous than IPv4, the world’s online traffic routes via IPv4 technology. Read this guide to learn more about IPv4 vs. IPv6 internet protocols and how each works.

An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a set of numbers that enables computers and other devices to communicate on the Internet. That means sending or receiving information online without the IP address is impossible.

Currently, there are two main IP types – IPv4 and IPv6. What is the difference between the two? How does each function? This article will compare IPv4 and IPv6 in detail and show how to protect your online connections.

What is IPv4?

Internet protocol version 4 (IPv4) was introduced in 1981 as the fourth internet protocol version. However, despite the advent of IPv6, most of the world’s traffic is routed through IPv4. The protocol uses a 32-bit address supporting more than 4 billion IP addresses.

Usually, an IPv4 address contains four numbers ranging from 0 to 255, separated by full stops. Most likely, your current IP address is an IPv4 address.

Here is a typical example of an IPv4 address “193.165.1.1”

Pros:

Easier to read and remember
Most web pages use IPv4
Long-standing technology

Cons:

Subnetting problems
Fewer IPv4 address

IPv4 existence for around 40 years presents a significant issue. The limit was set at 4.3 billion addresses, which seemed more than sufficient in the early 80s. After that, however, the addresses began running out as the internet grew exponentially. This prompted engineers to start developing more IP addresses.

Most people use multiple internet access devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Also, as the Internet of Things grows, more IP addresses will be needed than ever before. So, developers had to invent a more permanent solution.

What is IPv6?

Internet version 6 (IPv6) is the sixth version of the Internet protocol. It was developed to address the problem of shrinking IPv4 addresses. However, the functionality is similar to IPv4, which provides a numerical IP address required to establish an internet connection.

Generally, an IPv6 address is made of more numbers than an IPv4 address, making it possible to develop more addresses than IPv4. For example, it uses a 128-bit address and can produce up to decillion IP addresses, while IPv4 can only provide 4.3 billion addresses.

IPv6 IP addresses contain eight groups of hexadecimal numbers separated with colons instead of full stops like IPv4 addresses.

Here is an example of an IPv6 address:

“2004:0db7:81a3:0000:0000:4a2e:0370:7327”

Pros:

A lot of unique IP addresses
Doesn’t have subnetting problems
Supported by new devices