IPv4 vs. IPv6: What’s the difference? 

The internet protocol (IP) is a network protocol that enables, regulates, and controls the exchange of data packets within a network. There are two primary versions: IPv4 and IPv6. Read on to learn how these internet protocols work and what their respective pros and cons are. Also discover how Avira Phantom VPN helps make your online activities more anonymous. 

IPv4 vs. IPv6: A summary of their pros and cons 

It’s not easy to give a straight answer to the question IPv4 or IPv6 despite the numerous advantages that IPv6 has over its predecessor. The fact is that the successor offers a significantly larger address space, greater network security, and packet prioritization thanks to quality of service (QoS) features.  

But there’s a but: Even though IPv6 is, at least on paper, the far superior internet protocol, IPv4 is still more widely used in practice — and that’s a challenge in itself as IPv4 and IPv6 cannot communicate directly with each other. On top of that, it’s not as easy to remember IPv6’s alphanumeric 128-bit IP addresses compared to IPv4’s short 32-bit addresses. This makes the process of documenting them, such as in a work setting, more difficult. 

That said, it won’t matter for most users whether IPv4 or IPv6 is used for network communication. That’s because the latest devices generally prefer the IPv6 standard and try to use it to communicate with other endpoints. However, if the counterpart uses IPv4, this is the route both devices will go down. 

Key differences between the two protocol versions at a glance: 

What are internet protocols (IPs)? 

Internet protocols (IPs) are the most well-known of network protocols, and they make it possible for devices connected to the internet to communicate with each other. Put simply: Internet protocols enable and regulate the exchange of data within a network. Whenever a data packet travels from a sender to a receiver, it does so via internet protocols. To ensure the digital data packets arrive at the correct address, each device in a network receives its own IP address, allowing it to communicate with other devices. Think of this exchange as like sending packages in the physical world. The unique IP addresses represent the addresses of the sender and receiver — the data packets are the postal packages. 

In short: All activities on the internet are based on the exchange of data between a sender and receiver. This principle is most evident in activities such as sending an email or downloading a file. But data is also transferred in the background with every mouse click. For example, when you access an internet address, your visit to the domain signals to the associated server that you’re requesting data from the website. The server has its own IP address — just like the endpoint you use to access the website. The server then serves up all the data and displays the web page to your endpoint. 

Private and public IP addresses 

There are also public and private IP addresses. Whereas public IP addresses are accessible to all endpoints on the internet, private IP addresses are provided for local networks when needed. This enables data to be transferred reliably within a closed network. In addition, using private IP addresses can compensate for the limited number of public IP addresses.

Thanks to network address translation (NAT), one public IP address can be used for several private ones. NAT replaces the source or destination addresses of data packets, enabling the exchange and communication between public and private IP addresses through translation — which is where it gets its name.

Which devices use internet protocols? 

In the past, it was mainly computers, servers, and printers that were connected to the internet, so they were each assigned their own IP address. Fast forward in time, and there are now countless internet-enabled endpoints — and they all require access to a wide variety of networks: From mobile phones and TVs to video game consoles. Over time and faced with increasing demands, internet protocols have also evolved. That’s why we now have IPv4 and IPv6. Let’s have a look at the similarities and, above all, the differences between the two protocol versions. 

What is IPv4? 

IPv4 — contrary to what you might think at first — is actually the first version of the internet protocol. The 4 stands for the fourth version of the TCP/IP protocol, the transmission control protocol/internet protocol. This is a family of network protocols that are all responsible for ensuring two devices in private or public networks can communicate with each other. 

 IPv4 was introduced in 1983 and is still the most widely used IP version. Thanks to the unique identifiers of all endpoints connected to the network, IPv4 ensures that data packets can be transmitted reliably in their entirety and to the correct recipient. To achieve this, each endpoint is assigned its own IP address. 

 What does an IPv4 address look like?  

IPv4 is based on an address line that is divided into four sections and uses a numerical naming convention. Each IP address comprises eight digits, each divided into four individual blocks of numbers. Each block of numbers occupies 8 bits — which is why IPv4 is also referred to as having 32-bit addresses. Mathematically, this results in around 4.3 billion number combinations — the number of unique addresses that can be assigned to internet-enabled endpoints. An example of a typical IP address is 192.168.1.1. 

Tip: By the way, you can easily look up your IP address. This is really useful if you want to give a trusted device outside your local network access to your computer. 

What is IPv6? 

IPv6 was introduced as the official successor to IPv4 in 1998. Since the release of IPv4, the number of global internet users and internet-enabled devices has increased rapidly. The demand for IP addresses cannot therefore be met in the long term with 4.3 billion available IPv4 address lines — even if the number seems enormous at first. That’s why a solution to this issue had to be found — and it was with the new version 6. 

Here’s an example of an IPv6 address to illustrate our point: 2004:0db8:83a3:78d3:1416:5a1e:0930:7548. 

By the way: Both protocol versions are incompatible with each other, with complex technical solutions required to enable direct communication. Most devices that work with both protocols therefore always choose the standard specified by the respective counterpart. However, IPv6 is always prioritized — if available. 

IPv4 vs. IPv6: The difference between the protocols 

In principle, IPv6 works identically to IPv4. This internet protocol also transmits data packets within a network and assigns endpoints their own IP address. The biggest and most important difference between the two protocols lies in the naming of the IP addresses. Whereas IPv4 uses 32-bit numeric addresses, IPv6 address lines comprise 128-bit alphanumeric addresses. Due to their length and the combination of letters and numbers, IPv6 provides approximately 340 sextillion IP addresses — 1,028 times as many as IPv4 and more than enough to cover the demand for unique IP addresses for the foreseeable future. 

 This amount allows every single device in a network to be assigned its own IP address — and this address won’t need to be reassigned in the future, unlike IPv4 addresses which are often dynamically reassigned to meet the ever-growing demand for addresses. With IPv6, experts assume that there’ll always be enough supply. This is incredibly important given the rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), which describes the connecting of more and more physical, everyday objects (like cars, smart home devices, etc.) to the internet. 

In the context of IPv6, the neighbor discovery protocol (NDP) also plays a crucial role. Its primary task is to convert IPv6 addresses into link layer addresses — a function performed in IPv4 by the address resolution protocol (ARP). In addition to this core function, NDP supports a variety of other activities. These include identifying routers and network prefixes, determining network parameters, checking for duplicate addresses, and other relevant tasks. 

To surf the internet even more safely, you should equip your devices with an antivirus solution. Avira Free Security helps you detect and eliminate online threats like viruses and malware in real time. In addition, you can also generate super-strong passwords that meet the highest security standards. 

Why switch from IPv4 to IPv6? 

IPv6 offers numerous advantages over IPv4 that make this current version of the advanced internet protocol future proof. 

• Larger address space: Whereas IPv4 provides 4.3 billion unique IP addresses, IPv6 provides approximately 340 sextillion. Written out, the number looks even more impressive: 340.282.366.900.000.000.000.000.000.000.000.000.000.
• Unique IP addresses: Due to the limited address space, IPv4 often uses dynamic IP addresses that change with each new connection using the dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP). The protocol automatically configures devices that connect to a network, making them “internet-enabled”. This means that IP addresses can be assigned multiple times. With IPv6, though, each endpoint is assigned its own fixed IP address which never gets reassigned and is never reused. 
• Automatic configuration: Whereas IPv4 requires manual configuration or configuration via DHCP, IPv6 configuration is completely automatic. You can easily add new devices to your network without having to configure anything. 
• Greater security: The network security of IPv4 depends primarily on the applications that interact with the protocol (like email programs, web browsers, etc.). With IPsec and privacy extensions, however, IPv6 boasts enhanced integrated network security. IPsec is a suite of protocols that enable two endpoints to communicate securely within the network. Privacy extensions also allow the use of temporary IP addresses, enabling certain endpoints or nodes to be anonymized thanks to this randomly generated 64-bit number. Increased network security also helps you protect yourself from IP spoofing.
• Quality of service: IPv6 has a quality of service (QoS) feature. This special mechanism allows better regulation, control, and prioritization of data traffic within the network. By “manipulating” the data traffic, this ensures that certain services are prioritized and that data packets arrive at the recipient promptly and in the appropriate quality.
• Data processing: The packet headers in IPv6 are much simpler and more efficient, which is why a router has to process less information than with IPv4. This means that data packets are made available much faster.

What are the cons of IPv6?  

Even though IPv6 is a much more advanced and therefore future-proof protocol than its predecessor, IPv4, it also has its cons. These include: 

• Compatibility issues: IPv6 is incompatible with IPv4. Because IPv4 is still much more widespread than its successor and older devices in particular are unfamiliar with the new standard, this can cause communication issues.
• Complexity: Because IPv6 addresses are significantly longer and more complex, they’re more difficult to remember and document. Especially in day-to-day life and when gaming online, it’s always good to know your own IP address so you can share it with others.
• Implementation costs: The costs for the administration and security of IPv6 as well as the registration of new IP addresses are now lower than those of IPv4. That said, upfront costs that should not be underestimated are involved in implementing the protocol — especially when it comes to larger and older networks.

IPv4 vs. IPv6: Speed comparison

Even though IPv6, at least on paper, ought to be faster than its predecessor, IPv4 has been continually optimized over the years. That means it depends on a case-by-case basis which standard is actually faster. That said, it’s difficult to make a reliable analysis as internet speed depends on many different variables — so it’s impossible to give a qualified assessment.

Basically: For direct connections there is no speed difference between the two protocol versions. 

VPN: Surf anonymously — irrespective of the internet protocol

Regardless of the internet protocol used, it can be really beneficial to change your IP address or mask it temporarily. This is especially useful if you log into a public network and don’t want anyone to be able to identify you. Geocodes also mean that you can’t watch your favorite series or top-flight sports events wherever you want in the world, as the broadcasting rights for these are often lacking.

Thankfully, help is at hand. If you use a virtual private network (VPN), you don’t have to worry about your data or media content being blocked. Avira Phantom VPN encrypts your traffic so you can make your online activities more anonymous. You can also enjoy access to streaming multimedia content from anywhere that would otherwise be blocked for your current location — making it a breeze to stream your favorite series or songs wherever you are on the planet.