#3, IPv4 vs. IPv6: What Is the Difference? Добавить связанный Изменить Удалить

IPv4 and IPv6 are versions of the Internet Protocol. IPv6 offers far more addresses, while IPv4 remains important for compatibility.

Format and capacity

IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses and four decimal groups, such as 203.0.113.10. It has about 4.3 billion possible addresses.

IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses written in hexadecimal, such as 2001:db8:85a3::8a2e:370:7334. Its address space is vastly larger.

Why IPv6 was introduced

IPv4 could not provide a unique public address for every modern device. NAT delayed the shortage by allowing many devices to share one public address, but it adds complexity.

IPv6 gives networks far more globally unique addresses. Both versions still require correctly configured firewalls.

Speed and compatibility

IPv6 does not automatically make a connection faster. Speed and latency depend mainly on the provider, local network, route, and destination service.

Most modern networks use dual stack, supporting IPv4 and IPv6 at the same time. Leaving both enabled is usually the most compatible option.

Frequently asked questions