IP (Internet Protocol) has different versions developed to handle communication in networks.
The two main versions are:
📖 Definition
IPv4 is a 32-bit addressing system used to uniquely identify devices in a network.
32-bit address
Decimal format
4 octets (0–255)
Example: 192.168.1.1
~4.3 billion addresses
⚠️ Limitation
👉 Address exhaustion due to massive internet growth
📖 Definition
IPv6 is a 128-bit addressing system designed to overcome IPv4 limitations.
128-bit address
Hexadecimal format
Example: 2001:db8::1
Almost unlimited addresses
| Feature | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 32-bit | 128-bit |
| Format | Decimal | Hexadecimal |
| Address Space | Limited | Huge |
| NAT Required | Yes | No |
4 octets → 8 bits each
Total = 32 bits
📍 Example:
192.168.1.1
👉 Network ID + Host ID
| Value | 128 | 64 | 32 | 16 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
👉 Example:
192 → 11000000
❓ Why IPv6 is needed?
IPv6 is required because IPv4 has a limited address space, and IPv6 provides a significantly larger address pool along with better security and efficient routing.
❓ Difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 uses 32-bit addressing with limited addresses, whereas IPv6 uses 128-bit addressing with a vast address space and improved features like auto-configuration and built-in security.
❓ What is IPv4 structure?
IPv4 is a 32-bit address divided into four octets, each ranging from 0 to 255.
