Introduction

There are two worlds now: one where we live and the other where the internet lives. Both the worlds have so many similarities that we can compare them and understand the basics from each other.

For instance, just like we have postal addresses for delivery and sending mail that ensure we reach the right house without any hassle, there are IP addresses in the internet world that ensure a secure and authentic connection and communication between devices.

In whatever way you understand, the main point is that IP addresses are unique numbers or alphanumeric codes (hexadecimal) that help devices communicate with servers across the world. When you visit a website, send an email to your client, upload your photos and videos on the cloud or access any corner of the internet, it is only possible because your device uses an IP address to establish a connection.

However, there are also two versions of this IP address that are being used today: IPv4 and IPv6. So, here in this blog we’re delving into the nuances of these two types of IP addresses, understanding the difference between them and determining the importance of both of them.

What is an IP Address?

Before we get into specific and technical differences between IPv4 and IPv6, let’s have a proper understanding about IP addresses: what they are, why they are and how they are.

IP addresses are formally known as Internet Protocol Addresses. It is a unique code with numbers or alphabets (hexadecimals) that acts as an address for your server or device to send and receive data or information. In simple words, it is an address of your server and device to communicate with the internet.

Example of the IP address:

You might have seen IP address somewhere on your phone or other devices that has been written like this

• 168.1.1 (IPv4)
• 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334 (IPv6)

Now, let’s take a real-life use case of these IP addresses and everything will be much clearer for you:

You have an e-commerce website on internet and one of your customers tried to log in to your store with their credentials. How would your server know where it needs to send the details? their carts, history, order details and everything else?

In this instance, the server will use the IP address of the device from which your customer attempted to log in, and all of the data will be transmitted using the same IP address once the server has received it.

Of course, there are multiple things involve in the process of retrieving and sending data, like Cookies, session IDs, etc., but this overall one-use case of IP address and how it works

What is IPv4?

As previously discussed, today’s IP addresses are divided into two versions. The initial version is known as IPv4, or Internet Protocol Version 4. For SATNET, it was initially presented in 1982. There are multiple key features and characteristics that differentiate it from the latest IPv6 and set it apart.

Characteristics and limitations of IPv4

●      32-bit address format:

It indicates that there are 32 bits, or binary digits, divided into four sections, each of which has eight digits, or “octets”. These four sections (octets) then changed into four dotted decimal notations, which are known as IPv4 addresses.

So, for example, the 32 bits or binary digits are 11000000101010000000000100000001

It will be first divided into 4 sections, each with 8 digits separated by dots, and thus it will look like this: 11000000.10101000.00000001.00000001

Then, these octets will now be converted into decimals, and the result will be called an IP address, which will be like this: 192.168.1.1

● Around 4.3 billion unique addresses

The 32-bit address allows generating around 4.3 billion possible IP addresses, and that is one of its limitations. Once this limit is reached, we can’t generate the new unique IP addresses and have to reuse or reassign the same IP addresses to other servers and devices.

● Still widely used

Although we’ve reached the limit of all the unique IP addresses, we still widely use these addresses by trading and reusing them in our devices and servers. So, this means it is still in use, and most of us are almost using the same addresses for our normal internet access.

● Supports manual and DHCP IP address assignment

IPv4 addresses support both manual and dynamic host configuration protection assignments to the device, which means that the IP address can be assigned manually or automatically by the DHCP server.

What is IPv6?

IPv6, on the other hand, is the new version of IP addresses which are designed to overcome the limitations of IPv4 and are more robust and secure and have unlimited unique addresses. It was launched just after around 15 of launching IPv4.

To solve the shortcomings of IPv4, it started using the 128-bit addresses instead of 32 bits and implemented hexadecimal numbers to ensure the compact yet unlimited address possibilities virtually.

Characteristics of IPv6 Address

● 128-bit address:

Unlike IPv4, the IPv6 uses a 128-bit address, which means there are a total of 128 characters in the address, which is then shortened by hexadecimal numbers in 8 sections. Separated by a colon instead of dots.

● Probably never-ending unique IP address generation:

Due to its vast 128-bit addresses, it is now possible to generate and provide unlimited numbers of IP addresses to devices and servers easily. To be exact, it would be 340 undecillion (340 with 36 more zeros)

● IPsec built-in security features:

This is one of the best features that sets IPv6 different from its older version, IPv4. It comes with a built-in IPsec security protocol that ensures data encryption, authentication and anti-replay during data transmission.

● Efficient routing and auto-configuration:

It is a much better routing and configuration system compared to IPv6 with the help of different mechanisms like SLAAC and neighbour discovery. This means it is faster and can generate addresses without needing a DHCP server.

Key Differences between IPv4 and IPv6

Now that we have understood all the key features of both versions of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, let us just compare both of them and see the differences clearly.

 

Feature	IPv4	IPv6
Address length	32-bit	128-bit
Address format	Decimal (four sections)	Hexadecimal (8 Sections)
Address capacity	Around 4.3 billion	Around 340 undecillion
Configuration facility	Manual or DHCP	Auto configuration
Security	IPsec is optional/Not required	IPsec is inbuilt and integral part
Routing	Complex	Simplified
Adoption	High, but limited	Growing
NAT Support	Required due to limited addresses	Need needed due to 18-bit

 

Why IPv6 matters for web hosting

While both the IP addresses are still in use, it is clear that IPv6 is more robust due to its advanced mechanism, security and solutions. Let us now understand why IPv6 addresses matter in web hosting services and how one should determine if an IPv6 address is best for their web hosting.

1. It’s a scalable solution

If you are running or even planning to run multiple sites online and expecting higher traffic, then IPv6 can be the best option, as it is a scalable option. With IPv6, you will be ensured of not getting out of IP addresses, especially for e-commerce, SaaS and streaming platforms.

2. Improves the speed and performance

The auto-configuration and no use of NAT (Network Address Translation) due to unshared and unique IP addresses, the IPv6 improves the speed and performance of the data transmission. Additionally, it reduces the latency and transmission complexity by faster and direct communication as well.

3. Enhance the security:

Whenever you read about IPv6, security will also be mentioned as its core feature there and that is because IPv6 comes with an integrated and built-in IPsec security feature.

This IPsec is a combination of mechanisms to secure the transmission, such as encrypting the data, authenticating the data packet, and scanning for any malware mechanisms.

While IPv4 can also have this feature, it is an optional part of it, whereas in IPv6 it is a necessary and integral part.

4. Better for Mobile and IoT devices

IPv6 can also be quite helpful for mobile and IoT devices, as it provides separate addresses for each device. This increases the security and speed of each device, even if it’s slight.

5. Increases SEO and global reach:

SEO and global reach with the same speed are the major concerns for every web host, and in this concern, IPv6 can be again very helpful. Search engines considers security, Speed and Accessibility a major determining factor for ranking websites and IPv6 help you achieve all of them effectively

Check if your web hosting supports IPv6

By reaching here, you must have understood that having IPv6 in your hosting is more beneficial, but now you might be confused about the fact that your web hosting supports IPv6 or not.

To check and confirm this, you can do few things, like

• You can directly confirm it through your server hosting provider if IPv6 support is available with your hosting plan
• You can ask them if your hosting supports both IPv4 and IPv6
• You can also confirm yourself by analyzing your Ip address from the above-mentioned characteristics

In case your web hosting does not support IPv6, you may consider switching your hosting or, if they are ready to provide it, request the same.

Dual Stack hosting: Can we use both IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously

Fortunately, with the growing technology, it is possible to choose both the addresses simultaneously rather than choosing any of them. The ability to use both IPv4 and IPv6 for one web hosting is known as dual stack hosting. Almost all the modern web hosting offers this dual-stack hosting. However, you can confirm once again regarding the use of both IP addresses

There are multiple benefits of using dual-stack hosting, including

• Better connectivity
• Faster data transmission and
• Uninterrupted experience for all devices

Challenges and limitations of IPv6 addresses

Despite all the benefits and features of IPv6 address, there are still some challenges and limitations in implementing and using this as a virtual address for web hosting and devices

• There are still so many websites and networks that are solely running on the IPv4 structure and cannot adopt IPv6.
• Not all ISPs support IPv6, which makes it difficult to configure them everywhere
• Some devices and legacy systems are not built for IPv6 and completely incompatible to adopt
• Adoption and transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6 requires time and technical effort

However, as IPv4 is becoming scarce and exhausted, the need for IPv6 is inevitable and all the hosting providers are gradually adopting this IPv6 as their integrated system.

Tips for migrating to IPv6 in hosting

If your website does not support IPv6, you might consider migrating your existing IP address to IPv6. You can do so with some technical understanding, server provider support and proper planning. Below are a few tips that you can take into consideration while migrating to IPv6 in your web hosting:

• Audit your current server infrastructure: Check your server components like DNS, hosting, firewalls and CMS to ensure if they support IPv6
• Talk to your server provider for support: Contact to your hosting support team and ask them to provide dual-stack hosting services
• Test your website IP address: You can check website compatibility and how it works after IPv6 implementation through different online tools
• Update DNS records: It is important to add AAAA records alongside existing A records to ensure the IPv6 uses
• Implement firewall rules for IPv6: IPv6 requires some advanced and properly configured security protocols, so ensure that you set the firewall rules correctly.

IPv4 vs IPv6: Conclusion

Summarizing the key points of the blog

• While IPv4 is the current standard in web hosting, it is now slowly running out of addresses due to its limited 32-bit possibilities
• IPv6 is likely the future of Internet Protocol addresses, as it is almost unlimited and comes with robust security and performance features

In the comparison, IPv6 is surely the more powerful, secure, and advanced address, but it is also equally true that IPv4 is not going to disappear overnight — both continue to work together across VPS servers and dedicated servers to offer a more seamless experience.

What do you need to do next?

• Make sure your server or device is IPv6 compatible and support it
• If not supported, contact to your server provide and ask to provide the dual-stack hosting now
• Ensure you’re not left behind with limited IPv4 and using both versions of IP addresses effectively