IPv4 vs IPv6: Why the Future is Already Here and How It Affects Your Server
Greetings!
Today, I want to talk to you about IP addresses: what types exist, the difference between IPv4 and IPv6, why IPv6 is the future, when it’s time to switch, and why everyone will eventually have to do it.
In this article, we’ll explore why IPv4 is becoming a thing of the past and how IPv6 speeds up your internet experience. This post will be interesting for both beginners and those who just want to refresh their knowledge.
What is an IP and What are the Different Types?
An IP address (Internet Protocol) is a unique identifier for a device on a network. If the internet is a global postal service, then an IP address is your home address, without which a letter (data packet) simply won’t find its recipient.
Basic Types of IP Addresses
Before comparing protocols, it’s important to understand how addresses are classified by usage:
Dynamic: Assigned temporarily by the provider. The address may change every time you reconnect to the network. These are often assigned to home internet connections and can cause various issues.
Static: Permanently assigned to a device. This is essential for servers, websites, and surveillance systems.
Private (Gray): Used within a local network (home or office). Millions of devices worldwide can have identical "gray" addresses if they are in different networks.
Public (White): Unique addresses in the global internet. This is how your home network "communicates" with the outside world.
IPv4 vs IPv6: Main Differences
The difference between IPv4 and IPv6 in simple terms is primarily a difference in scale and architecture.
| Feature | IPv4 | IPv6 |
| Address Length | 32 bits | 128 bits |
| Format | Decimal (192.168.1.1) | Hexadecimal (2001:0db8:85a3...) |
| Number of Addresses | 4.3 billion | trillions of trillions |
| Security | Application dependent | Built-in IPsec support |
| Configuration | Often manual or via DHCP | Automatic (Self-configuration) |
What is the Main Problem with IPv4?
When IPv4 was created in the 1980s, 4 billion addresses seemed like infinity. But with the advent of smartphones, smart kettles, and IoT sensors, IPv4 addresses officially ran out several years ago. Now, providers use "crutches" (NAT technology) to hide hundreds of users under a single public IPv4 address.
This is why, when you rent a server, a provider cannot always offer you a subnet with a large number of addresses; some can only offer 1 IPv4 and that's it. Because addresses have run out, more and more users and companies are switching to IPv6.
What is the main problem of IPv4 for regular users? First, one IPv4 address can be assigned to several users simultaneously, which leads to frequent "I am not a robot" checks or even being banned in games because of another player on the same network. By switching to IPv6, you get a unique address, avoiding these issues entirely.
Why is IPv6 the Future?
Infinite Space: There are enough IPv6 addresses to assign a unique IP to every grain of sand on planet Earth. This eliminates the need for NAT, making point-to-point (P2P) connections faster and more stable.
Routing Efficiency: Packet headers in IPv6 are simplified, which reduces the load on network equipment.
Mobility and IoT: IPv6 allows devices to change networks without losing connection, which is critical for autonomous vehicles and wearable electronics.
Why is the Transition Inevitable?
The transition is already happening. Google reports that about 40-45% of their traffic is already going through IPv6.
Scarcity and Cost: There are no free IPv4s left. Companies are forced to buy them at auctions, making the cost of supporting the old protocol increasingly expensive.
Speed: In some networks, IPv6 is faster because packets pass through routers without unnecessary translations.
New Technologies: Modern cloud services and 5G systems are built with IPv6 as a priority.
What You Need to Learn (Technical Minimum)
To feel confident in an IPv6 environment, you need to understand three fundamental things:
A. Address Structure and Compression
An IPv6 address looks intimidating: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. You need to learn how to "compress" it:
Zeros can be removed: Groups of four zeros are replaced with
::(but only once per address).Result:
2001:db8:85a3::8a2e:370:7334.
B. Address Types
Link-Local (fe80::): An address the device assigns to itself. It only works within your local network.
Global Unicast: The equivalent of a "public" IP, accessible from the internet.
SLAAC: A mechanism by which devices get an IP without a DHCP server.
Practical Steps: How to Switch
Most often, a Dual Stack scheme is used (where the device runs both IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously).
Check your ISP: Visit
test-ipv6.com.Configure your Router: Enable IPv6 in the WAN settings, select "Native" or "DHCPv6," and enable Prefix Delegation (PD).
OS and Firewall: Modern Windows, macOS, and Linux support it out of the box. Important: Ensure your firewall blocks incoming connections to your devices by default.
Professional Tools
We provide IPv6 addresses with our services. If you want to try using or buy an IPv6 address (we provide it for free), choose the service that suits you:
Debunking Fears
"It’s insecure": Having a public address doesn't mean lack of protection. Modern IPv6 firewalls are just as effective as NAT.
"It’s too hard to remember": You don't need to! DNS handles the names, just like in IPv4.
"Old gear will stop working": Dual Stack allows old printers to work on IPv4 while your server communicates with the world via IPv6.
Conclusion
IPv6 is not just "long numbers." It’s a move toward an internet where every device is a full participant in the network. Don’t wait for your provider to force you; start experimenting today.
FAQ
1. Will my internet get faster with IPv6?
Mostly, yes. IPv6 simplifies routing by removing the need for NAT, which can lower latency (ping).
2. Is IPv6 more secure than IPv4?
It has built-in IPsec support. However, security still depends on your firewall settings.
3. Can I use IPv4 and IPv6 at the same time?
Yes, this is called Dual Stack. Our servers at MivoCloud support this mode.
4. What if my ISP doesn't provide IPv6 yet?
You can use tunnel brokers like Hurricane Electric or rent a VPS/Dedicated server from a provider that supports IPv6 out of the box.
Author: Anatolie Cohaniuc