Internet Protocol version 6 or IPv6 is our main topic today. We will discuss its main purpose, structure, and why it is so important.
Internet Protocol – definition
The Internet protocol, or IP, is a set of rules for online communication. It determines the format of data packets, which is the most efficient framework for transporting data across networks. It’s also in charge of employing IP addresses to route and address data packets delivered to their destination.
What is the purpose of IPv6?
IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) is a network layer protocol that enables communication and data transfer across the web. Internet Protocol Version 6 was created in 1998 with the primary intention of eventually replacing the IPv4 protocol. Despite this, the majority of organizations continue to use the earlier IPv4 standard. Since 2017, it has been an Internet Standard (IETF) to anticipate an increase in IPv6 usage in the near future.
Read more about the history and the definition of IPv6.
What does it look like?
IPv6 addresses are made up of eight four-digit hexadecimal sequences. Colons are used to divide them altogether. In addition, each sequence represents 16 bits. The hexadecimal system includes sixteen characters, including the digits 0 through 9, as well as the letters “a,” “b,” “c,” “d,” “e,” and “f.”The following is an example for IPv6 address: 2008:5fe:7a5b:4025:1001:2013:5d6e:1a4f
Types of IPv6
IPv6 addresses come in various shapes and sizes, but it’s important to note that there are no broadcast addresses in Internet Protocol Version 6. Some of the most popular are as follows:
- Unicast addresses – we use them to identify a single interface or individual node.
- Anycast addresses – they define a group of interfaces, with a packet sent to an anycast address being routed to one of the group’s members.
- Multicast – we use multicasts to send a single packet to multiple destinations simultaneously. As a result, all of the group’s interfaces receive a packet delivered to a multicast address.
Suggested article: Anycast DNS and Unicast DNS: Contrasts & Comparison
Advantages of using IPv6
There are considerable benefits to implementing IPv6. The following are a few of them:
- IP addresses are essential for domain name resolution if you own a network or a website. Perhaps you’re still using IPv4 and A DNS records to accomplish this. You will, however, sooner rather than later switch to IPv6 and AAAA.
- To provide a variety of Internet services, such as web hosting, application hosting, etc.
- For configuring network routing at work or at home. Older devices may not support the new Internet Protocol version 6. This may be the sole disadvantage.
- IPv6 is compatible with the 5G Internet of the future. Now is the time to start planning for a smooth transition.
Conclusion
We’ll all be using IPv6 at some moment. So the sooner you realize the importance of Internet Protocol Version 6 and how to deploy it in your own networks, the better.