Most devices now-a-days utilize the wonderful IPv4 protocol. IPv4 stands for Internet Protocol Version 4 and simply allows our devices to connect to the internet. Essentially IPv4 technology works whenever your device, whether it is your computer, phone, tablet or TV, uses it’s unique IP address, it sends to and from the internet. The Physical IP address sticks to the product as a “unique identifier” and allows it to be labeled and located by the internet. Now, there are other types of Internet Protocol Addresses such as a Sticky Dynamic IP Address, which is a form of assignment, and IPv6, and the list goes on. The Internet Protocol space, almost like a realty home management, is managed globally by IANA or Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, which are divided by 5 RIR’s or Regional Internet Registries.

Now we got the details out, lets continue on with you leveling up. IPv4 has been the most common and reliable protocol that our devices use. Through time, and usage IPv4 has shown to have a lot of issues that haven’t been fixed, for a while now, since 1983, to be exact. IPv4 carries a hefty 32-bit number, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but holds up to 4,294,967,296 or (232) IP addresses. If you thought that was a lot, IPv6, the newer, improved and smarter version of IPv4 carries a hefty 3.403×1038 (approximately) of IP address which scales heavily. The issue with IPv6 is that we simply didn’t need it yet, well at least until now. IPv6 shows us security in the use of internet, knowing that we won’t be flooded with IP addresses, insufficient to the universe as the growing number of technology use seems to shock us on a day to day basis. Think about it, how many devices do you use that connect to the internet? Most users carry at least two (laptop & mobile phone).

The issues revolving IPv6 seem to grow, mainly being…

·        Not all devices and ISP’s (Internet Service Providers) support IPv6 yet;

·        Routers seldom support IPv6, and if they do it is hard finding one on the lower end      budget that meets the intensity of a heavy internet user.

But the good out-weighs the bad…

·        IPv6 obviously outnumbers IPv4 in available IP sectors;

·        IPv4 uses fragmentation, in packeting, where IPv6 no longer needs to fragment, which slows down a router so IPv6 essential is faster in terms of network speed;

·        IPv6 also carries more bits, 128-bit number, where IPv4 is 32-bit number;

·        Security is no longer an issue for IPv6, as it is a part and integrated within the IP Sector, where IPv4 struggles in security.

Now very rare, and in some cases expensive, IPv6 is available to some, and a lot of people are starting to take advantage of it’s many features. Businesses are beginning to implement the technology more and more, and some believe that it will fully replace IPv4 in the future as our internet-of-things seems to grow on a day to day basis, while others think IPv6 is not necessary in replacing IPv4. Have you leveled up to IPv6? Are you reaping the benefits? Let us know on social media by tagging our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/2econdWindTechnology

Are you already using IPv6? Find out by visiting (http://testmyipv6.com) which tests your IP address.