Why We Need IPv6?
Why do we need IPv6? Due to the massive increase in devices accessing the Internet, each device needs a unique IP address to access the network and Internet. The number of devices has risen from stationary to mobile, generally requiring an Internet connection.
Because of the vast increase, IPv4 addresses are running out of space and needs an IPv6 address to accommodate the increased demand due to larger address space, along with improved traffic routing and better security.
We are currently using IPv4 on the Internet. It was developed in the early ’70s to facilitate communication and information sharing between government researchers and academics in the US. Due to a limited number of access points, the IPv4 address space is enough, and the developers didn’t imagine requirements such as security or quality of service. IPv4 has continued for over 40 years and has been an important part of the Internet uprising.
Need IPv6 Due to Shortage of IPv4
The most understandable answer to the need for IPv6 is that IPv4 addresses are out of space. Because IPv4 has only 4.3 billion addresses, Researchers have adopted many methods to improve the reduction of IPv4 addresses, including Subnetting, VLSM, and NAT. Still, these methods could not provide the ability to scale networks for future demands. The reduction of IPv4 address space has been the motivating factor for moving to the next-generation internet protocol.
The IPv6 addresses satisfy the increasing and complex requirements of a hierarchical and limitless supply of IP addressing. Because IPv6 provides 340 undecillion addresses. That is 340 times 10 to the 36th power or 340 trillion trillion trillion possible IP addresses.
Efficiency
IPv6 simplifies and speeds up data transmission because packet handling is more efficient and removes the need to check packet integrity. It also frees router time that can be better spent moving data. IPv6 also eliminates the address conflict issues which is common under IPv4 and enables smooth connections and communication for network devices.
Security
IPv6 was built with security hazards in mind. Many of the security features have been added to the IPv6 address default, which is optional for IPv4 addresses. IPv6 encrypts traffic and checks packet integrity to protect standard Internet traffic more efficiently.
The IPSec provides privacy, authentication and data integrity. Because of their potential to carry malware, corporate firewalls often block IPv4 ICMP packets, but ICMPv6, implementing the Internet Control Message Protocol for IPv6, may be permitted because IPSec can be applied to the ICMPv6 packets.
