Are you looking for IPv6? If the answer is yes, you came to the right spot. Why? Because in this article, we will explore the definition of Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), what is its structure, and why it is so advantageous to implement it. So, if this fits your needs, let’s take deep into it!
The IPv6 definition
IPv6 is the sixth generation of IP addresses in the Internet Protocol. IPs are a set of rules that a device must follow while sending and receiving data from a host to a destination. It will be necessary to have a list of recognizable hosts, their locations, IP addresses, and a communication path.
When it comes to IPv6, it has been in use since 1995! Strangely, IPv4 addresses have become scarce, along with other difficulties. Despite this, most organizations continue to use the IPv4 protocol. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has forecast that IPv6 use will increase in the near future since 2017.
What does it look like?
An IPv6 address has a straightforward structure. It has a length of 128 bits and is broken into eight 16-bit fields separated by colons. Every field must include a hexadecimal number, unlike IPv4 addresses, which utilize a dotted-decimal format.
These addresses are broken down into eight sections, each containing four hexadecimal digits. In addition, each sequence is 16 bits long. Unlike the decimal number system, the hexadecimal number system uses sixteen characters: 0 to 9 as well as the letters “a,” “b,” “c,” “d,” “e,” and “f.”
An IPv6 address looks something like this: 4001:2bf:3a9c:1002:0057:3005:8f2e:6d2b
Why is IPv6 beneficial for using it?
Here are some of its main benefits:
- If you own a network or a website, IP addresses are required for domain name resolution. Maybe you’re still relying on IPv4 and A DNS records for this. You will, however, migrate to IPv6 and AAAA sooner rather than later.
- For the provision of various Internet services such as web hosting, application hosting, and so forth.
- For setting up network routing at business or at home. Older devices may not be able to support the new IPv6 protocol. This could be the only drawback.
- To swiftly connect a large number of devices and IoT. A vast number of IP addresses are required for this. One way to fix this is to utilize network address translation (NAT). It converts many local private addresses to a public IP address as a first step in the data transfer. If you utilize it, you may skip this step.
- The IPv6 protocol is compatible with the future 5G Internet. Starting now, prepare for a smooth transition.
Conclusion
Taking everything into account, IPv6 is not the most common Internet Protocol, but it is the protocol of the future. Success depends on adjusting to changing situations and standards, and evolution never stops. Smartphones, IoT devices, tablets, laptops, and other gadgets proliferate like mushrooms, and they all require Internet access on a daily basis. So, do not hesitate and take advantage of IPv6.