IP addresses are unique numerical identifiers assigned to devices connected to a network. They allow data packets to be sent and received accurately between devices on the internet. IP addresses help in routing data to the correct destination and enable devices to communicate with each other.
The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is driven by the limitation of available addresses in the older IPv4 system. IPv4 provides around 4 billion unique addresses, which is not sufficient to accommodate the exponential growth of devices connected to the internet. IPv6, on the other hand, uses a 128-bit address format that allows for an enormous amount of unique addresses – approximately 340 undecillion – ensuring the internet can accommodate the increasing number of connected devices now and in the future.
The transition to IPv6 also offers other advantages like improved security, simpler network management, better quality of service, and support for new technologies. IPv6 enables end-to-end connectivity, promoting direct communication between devices and reducing the need for network address translation (NAT), which can cause complications in certain scenarios.
Overall, the transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is essential to overcome the limitations of address exhaustion, support the growing number of devices, and improve the efficiency and capabilities of the internet.
In your own words, explain why we need IP Addresses in order for the Internet to function properly.
Summarize why we are transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6.
2 answers
How are IPv4 addresses different than IPv6 addresses?
Why is it taking so long to switch IPv4 addresses over to IPv6?
What do you think is a challenge of supporting both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses?
Why is it taking so long to switch IPv4 addresses over to IPv6?
What do you think is a challenge of supporting both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses?
3 answers