Ipv6 Vs Ipv4 Comparison Table
What’s the Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6? – Guru99
What is IP?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the IP protocol for communication. An IP address acts as an identifier for a specific device on a particular network. The IP address is also called an IP number or Internet address.
IP address specifies the technical format of the addressing and packets scheme. Most networks combine IP with a TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). It also allows developing a virtual connection between a destination and a source.
Now in this IPv4 and IPv6 difference tutorial, we will learn What is IPv4 and IPv6?
What is IPv4?
IPv4 is an IP version widely used to identify devices on a network using an addressing system. It was the first version of IP deployed for production in the ARPANET in 1983. It uses a 32-bit address scheme to store 2^32 addresses which is more than 4 billion addresses. It is considered the primary Internet Protocol and carries 94% of Internet traffic.
What is IPv6?
IPv6 is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol. This new IP address version is being deployed to fulfill the need for more Internet addresses. It was aimed to resolve issues that are associated with IPv4. With 128-bit address space, it allows 340 undecillion unique address space. IPv6 is also called IPng (Internet Protocol next generation).
Internet Engineer Taskforce initiated it in early 1994. The design and development of that suite are now called IPv6.
KEY DIFFERENCE
IPv4 is 32-Bit IP address whereas IPv6 is a 128-Bit IP address.
IPv4 is a numeric addressing method whereas IPv6 is an alphanumeric addressing method.
IPv4 binary bits are separated by a dot(. ) whereas IPv6 binary bits are separated by a colon(:).
IPv4 offers 12 header fields whereas IPv6 offers 8 header fields.
IPv4 supports broadcast whereas IPv6 doesn’t support broadcast.
IPv4 has checksum fields while IPv6 doesn’t have checksum fields
When we compare IPv4 and IPv6, IPv4 supports VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Mask) whereas IPv6 doesn’t support VLSM.
IPv4 uses ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) to map to MAC address whereas IPv6 uses NDP (Neighbour Discovery Protocol) to map to MAC address.
Features of IPv4
Following are the features of IPv4:
Connectionless Protocol
Allow creating a simple virtual communication layer over diversified devices
It requires less memory, and ease of remembering addresses
Already supported protocol by millions of devices
Offers video libraries and conferences
Features of IPv6
Here are the features of IPv6:
Hierarchical addressing and routing infrastructure
Stateful and Stateless configuration
Support for quality of service (QoS)
An ideal protocol for neighboring node interaction
IPv4 vs IPv6
Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6 Addresses
IPv4 & IPv6 are both IP addresses that are binary numbers. Comparing IPv6 vs IPv4, IPv4 is 32 bit binary number while IPv6 is 128 bit binary number address. IPv4 address are separated by periods while IPv6 address are separated by colons.
Both are used to identify machines connected to a network. In principle, they are the same, but they are different in how they work. Below are the main differences between IPv4 and IPv6:
Basis for differences
IPv4
IPv6
Size of IP address
IPv4 is a 32-Bit IP Address.
IPv6 is 128 Bit IP Address.
Addressing method
IPv4 is a numeric address, and its binary bits are separated by a dot (. )
IPv6 is an alphanumeric address whose binary bits are separated by a colon (:). It also contains hexadecimal.
Number of header fields
12
8
Length of header filed
20
40
Checksum
Has checksum fields
Does not have checksum fields
Example
12. 244. 233. 165
2001:0db8:0000:0000:0000:ff00:0042:7879
Type of Addresses
Unicast, broadcast, and multicast.
Unicast, multicast, and anycast.
Number of classes
IPv4 offers five different classes of IP Address. Class A to E.
lPv6 allows storing an unlimited number of IP Address.
Configuration
You have to configure a newly installed system before it can communicate with other systems.
In IPv6, the configuration is optional, depending upon on functions needed.
VLSM support
IPv4 support VLSM (Variable Length Subnet mask).
IPv6 does not offer support for VLSM.
Fragmentation
Fragmentation is done by sending and forwarding routes.
Fragmentation is done by the sender.
Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
RIP is a routing protocol supported by the routed daemon.
RIP does not support IPv6. It uses static routes.
Network Configuration
Networks need to be configured either manually or with DHCP. IPv4 had several overlays to handle Internet growth, which require more maintenance efforts.
IPv6 support autoconfiguration capabilities.
Best feature
Widespread use of NAT (Network address translation) devices which allows single NAT address can mask thousands of
non-routable addresses, making end-to-end
integrity achievable.
It allows direct addressing because of vast address
Space.
Address Mask
Use for the designated network from host portion.
Not used.
SNMP
SNMP is a protocol used for system management.
SNMP does not support IPv6.
Mobility & Interoperability
Relatively constrained network topologies to which move restrict mobility and interoperability capabilities.
IPv6 provides interoperability and mobility
capabilities which are embedded in network devices.
Security
Security is dependent on applications – IPv4 was not designed with security in mind.
IPSec(Internet Protocol Security) is built into the IPv6 protocol, usable with
a proper key infrastructure.
Packet size
Packet size 576 bytes required, fragmentation optional
1208 bytes required without fragmentation
Packet fragmentation
Allows from routers and sending host
Sending hosts only
Packet header
Does not identify packet flow for QoS handling which includes checksum options.
Packet head contains Flow Label field that specifies packet flow for QoS handling
DNS records
Address (A) records, maps hostnames
Address (AAAA) records, maps hostnames
Address configuration
Manual or via DHCP
Stateless address autoconfiguration using Internet Control Message Protocol version 6 (ICMPv6) or DHCPv6
IP to MAC resolution
Broadcast ARP
Multicast Neighbour Solicitation
Local subnet Group management
Internet Group Management Protocol GMP)
Multicast Listener Discovery (MLD)
Optional Fields
Has Optional Fields
Does not have optional fields. But Extension headers are available.
IPSec
Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) concerning network security is optional
Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) Concerning network security is mandatory
Dynamic host configuration Server
Clients have approach DHCS (Dynamic Host Configuration server) whenever they want to connect to a network.
A Client does not have to approach any such server as they are given permanent addresses.
Mapping
Uses ARP(Address Resolution Protocol) to map to MAC address
Uses NDP(Neighbour Discovery Protocol) to map to MAC address
Combability with mobile devices
IPv4 address uses the dot-decimal notation. That’s why it is not suitable for mobile networks.
IPv6 address is represented in hexadecimal, colon- separated notation.
IPv6 is better suited to mobile
networks.
IPv4 and IPv6 cannot communicate with other but can exist together on the same network. This is known as Dual Stack.
Differences between IPv4 and IPv6 – GeeksforGeeks
IPv4 and IPv6 are internet protocol version 4 and internet protocol version 6, IP version 6 is the new version of Internet Protocol, which is way better than IP version 4 in terms of complexity and efficiency. Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6: IPv4IPv6IPv4 has 32-bit address lengthIPv6 has 128-bit address lengthIt Supports Manual and DHCP address configurationIt supports Auto and renumbering address configurationIn IPv4 end to end connection integrity is UnachievableIn IPv6 end to end connection integrity is AchievableIt can generate 4. 29×109 address spaceAddress space of IPv6 is quite large it can produce 3. 4×1038 address spaceSecurity feature is dependent on applicationIPSEC is inbuilt security feature in the IPv6 protocolAddress representation of IPv4 is in decimalAddress Representation of IPv6 is in hexadecimalFragmentation performed by Sender and forwarding routersIn IPv6 fragmentation performed only by senderIn IPv4 Packet flow identification is not availableIn IPv6 packetflow identification are Available and uses flow label field in the headerIn IPv4 checksumfield is availableIn IPv6 checksumfield is not availableIt has broadcast Message Transmission SchemeIn IPv6 multicast and any cast message transmission scheme is availableIn IPv4 Encryption and Authentication facility not providedIn IPv6 Encryption and Authentication are provided IPv4 has header of 20-60 bytes. IPv6 has header of 40 bytes fixed Attention reader! Don’t stop learning now. Practice GATE exam well before the actual exam with the subject-wise and overall quizzes available in GATE Test Series all GATE CS concepts with Free Live Classes on our youtube channel.
Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6 (with Comparison Chart)
IPv4 and IPv6 are the versions of internet protocol where IPv6 is the enhanced version of IPv4. There are various differences between IPv4 and IPv6 protocol including their features, but the crucial one is the number of addresses (Address space) it generates.
IP version 4 (IPv4) generates 4. 29 x 109 unique network addresses which is insufficient in quantity and as a result Internet is running out of space. Whereas IP version 6 (IPv6) produces 3. 4 x 1038 addresses and is a scalable and flexible solution to the current problem.
First of all, let us understand what is Internet protocol. The TCP/IP standard protocol that defines the IP datagram as the unit of information moved across the internet. It is an unreliable and connectionless datagram protocol – a best-effort delivery service. The internet is an abstraction of physical networks and provides the same functionalities like accepting and delivering packets.
IP provides three major things that are:
Specification of the exact format of all data.
It performs routing function and chooses path for sending the data.
It involves a collection of rules that support the idea of unreliable packet delivery.
Content: IPv4 Vs IPv6
Comparison Chart
Definition
Key Differences
Conclusion
Basis of comparisonIPv4IPv6
Address ConfigurationSupports Manual and DHCP pports Auto-configuration and renumbering
End-to-end connection integrityUnachievableAchievable
Address SpaceIt can generate 4. 29 x 109 can produce quite a large number of addresses, i. e., 3. 4 x 1038.
Security featuresSecurity is dependent on applicationIPSEC is inbuilt in the IPv6 protocol
Address length32 bits (4 bytes)128 bits (16 bytes)
Address RepresentationIn decimalIn hexadecimal
Fragmentation performed by
Sender and forwarding routersOnly by the sender
Packet flow identificationNot availableAvailable and uses flow label field in the header
Checksum FieldAvailableNot available
Message Transmission SchemeBroadcastingMulticasting and Anycasting
Encryption and AuthenticationNot ProvidedProvided
Definition of IPv4
An IPv4 address is a 32- bit binary value, which can be displayed as four decimal digits. The IPv4 address space offers about 4. 3 billion addresses. Only 3. 7 billion addresses can only be assigned out of 4. 3 billion address. The other addresses are conserved for specific purposes such as multicasting, private address space, loopback testing, and research.
IP version 4 (IPv4) uses Broadcasting for transferring packets from one computer to all computers; this probably generates problems sometimes.
Dotted-Decimal Notation of IPv4
128. 11. 3. 31
Packet Format
An IPv4 datagram is a variable-length packet comprised of a header (20 bytes) and data (up to 65, 536 along with header). The header contains information essential to routing and delivery.
Base Header
Version: It defines the version number of IP, i. e., in this case, it is 4 with a binary value of 0100.
Header length (HLEN): It represents the length of the header in multiple of four bytes.
Service type: It determines how datagram should be handled and includes individual bits such as level of throughput, reliability, and delay.
Total length: It signifies the entire length of the IP datagram.
Identification: This field is used in fragmentation. A datagram is divided when it passes through different networks to match the network frame size. At that time each fragment is determined with a sequence number in this field.
Flags: The bits in the flags field handles fragmentation and identifies the first, middle or last fragment, etc.
Fragmentation offset: It’s a pointer that represents the offset of the data in the original datagram.
Time to live: It defines the number of hops a datagram can travel before it is rejected. In simple words, it specifies the duration for which a datagram remains on the internet.
Protocol: The protocol field specifies which upper layer protocol data are encapsulated in the datagram (TCP, UDP, ICMP, etc. ).
Header checksum: This is a 16-bit field confirm the integrity of the header values, not the rest of the packet.
Source address: It’s a four-byte internet address which identifies the source of the datagram.
Destination address: This is a 4-byte field which identifies the final destination.
Options: This provides more functionality to the IP datagram. Furthermore can carry fields like control routing, timing, management, and alignment. IPv4 is a two-level address structure (net id and host id) classified into five categories (A, B, C, D, and E).
Definition of IPv6
An IPv6 address is a 128-bit binary value, which can be displayed as 32 hexadecimal digits. Colons isolate entries in a sequence of 16-bit Hexadecimal fields. It provides 3. 4 x 1038 IP addresses. This version of IP addressing is designed to fulfill the needs of exhausting IP’s and providing sufficient addresses for future Internet growth requirements.
As IPv4 uses two-level address structure where the use of address space is insufficient. That was the reason for proposing the IPv6, to overcome the deficiencies IPv4. The format and the length of the IP addresses were changed along with the packet format and protocols were also modified.
Hexadecimal Colon Notation of IPv6
FDEC:BA98:7654:3210:ADBF:BBFF:2922:FFFF
IPv6 Packet format
Each packet is consist of a mandatory base header succeeded by the payload. The payload includes two parts namely optional extension headers and data from an upper layer. The base header consumes 40 bytes, inversely the extension headers and data from the top layer usually hold up to 65, 535 bytes of information.
Version: This four-bit field specifies the version of the IP, i. e., 6 in this case.
Priority: It defines the priority of the packet concerning traffic congestion.
Flow label: The reason for designing this protocol is to facilitate with special controlling for a certain flow of data.
Payload length: It defines the total length of the IP datagram excepting the base header.
Next header: It’s an eight-bit field describe the header that trails the base header in the datagram. The next header is one of the optional extension headers which IP uses or the header for an upper-layer protocol such as UDP or TCP.
Hop limit: This eight-bit hop limit field assist with the same functions at the TTL field in IPv4.
Source address: It is a 16 bytes internet address identifies the source of the datagram.
Destination address: This is 16-byte internet address that generally describes the final destination of the datagram.
Key Differences Between IPv4 and IPv6
Let us look at the substantial difference between IPv4 and IPv6.
IPv4 has 32-bit address length whereas IPv6 has 128-bit address length.
IPv4 addresses represent the binary numbers in decimals. On the other hand, IPv6 addresses express binary numbers in hexadecimal.
IPv6 uses end-to-end fragmentation while IPv4 requires an intermediate router to fragment any datagram that is too large.
Header length of IPv4 is 20 bytes. In contrast, header length of IPv6 is 40 bytes.
IPv4 uses checksum field in the header format for handling error checking. On the contrary, IPv6 removes the header checksum field.
In IPv4, the base header does not contain a field for header length, and 16-bit payload length field replaces it in the IPv6 header.
The option fields in IPv4 are employed as extension headers in IPv6.
The Time to live field in IPv4 refers to as Hop limit in IPv6.
The header length field which is present in IPv4 is eliminated in IPv6 because the length of the header is fixed in this version.
IPv4 uses broadcasting to transmit the packets to the destination computers while IPv6 uses multicasting and anycasting.
IPv6 provides authentication and encryption, but IPv4 doesn’t provide it.
IPv6 retains many of the core concepts from the current protocol, IPv4 but changes most details. IPv4 was devised as a transport and communications means, but the number of addresses came to exhaustion that was the reason for the development of IPv6. IPv6 provides scalability, flexibility and seamless possibilities in the field of networking.
