Welcome to the Computer Science and Technology Study Materials section from CoreNetworkZ EdTech Solutions, a leading mock test and competitive exam preparation platform, for students preparing for SSC, DSSSB, and Kerala PSC examinations. Today, I will explain the differences Between IPv6 and IPv4.
The IP address is the third layer address in the TCP/IP Protocol Stack, given to each device connected to a network. In the Internet layer of the TCP/IP Protocol Stack, each device in a network has a unique address known as the IP address.
There are two versions of TCP/IP: IPv4 and IPv6.
Only a minority of networks use IPv6.
Most networks use the IPv4 version to assign a logical address to devices in a network. However, the future is with IPv6.
In this tutorial, you will learn the differences between IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. The second part explains the different classes of IPv4 addresses.
How does This Study Material help PSC, SSC, and DSSSB Aspirants?
SSC, DSSSB, IBPS, and Kerala PSC conduct examinations for various IT posts.
Understanding the differences Between IPv6 and IPv4 is essential for candidates appearing for the DSSSB PGT/TGT Computer Science, Kerala PSC Degree Level Exam, SSC Scientific Assistant (CS), VSSC Technical Assistant, and System Analyst posts. These networking fundamentals are core parts of the Computer Science syllabus.
Kerala PSC Degree Level examinations have a Computer Science section where students can expect questions that require them to explain the differences Between IPv6 and IPv4. You can check the Kerala PSC Degree Level Common Prelims Syllabus under the Computer Science section. I recommend you download the syllabus using this official link.
Reference: https://www.keralapsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/syllubus.pdf
In the IBPS SO (IT Officer) exam, IP addressing is a high-yield topic within Data Communication. Examiners frequently test your ability to distinguish between IPv4 classes, reserved address ranges, and IPv6 header improvements (like the removal of checksums). Understanding these concepts is essential for solving both theoretical MCQs and practical network troubleshooting questions.
Differences Between IPv4 and IPv6
Let us check the fundamental differences between IPv4 and IPv6.
| Feature | IPv4 (Internet Protocol v4) | IPv6 (Internet Protocol v6) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Size | 32-bit Address | 128-bit Address |
| Address Format | Dotted Decimal (e.g., 192.168.1.1) | Hexadecimal (e.g., 2001:db8::1) |
| Address Space | 4.3 Billion (approx) | 340 Undecillion (virtually unlimited) |
| Resolution Protocol | ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) | NDP (Neighbor Discovery Protocol) |
| Broadcast Support | Supported (Broadcast & Multicast) | Not Supported (Uses Multicast & Anycast) |
| Checksum Field | Present in Header | Absent (Moved to higher layers) |
| NAT Support | Required for Address conservation | Not Required (Direct End-to-End connectivity) |
- Length
IPv4 is a 32-bit address broken into four octets separated by a period. IPversion6 is a 128-bit long address and can give more addresses than IPversion4 offers. Examples of IPversion4 and IPversion6 addresses are below.
IPversion4 addressing: 10.0.0.1 or in binary form 00001010 00000000 00000000 00000001
IPv6 addressing: E3D7:0000:0000:0000:51F4:9BC8:C0A8:6420
- Representation
IPv6 is a 128-bit binary number represented in hexadecimal format. IPv4 is a 32-bit binary number represented in decimal format.
- The capacity of possible addresses:
IPv6 can give more addresses than IPv4.
- Checksum field:
In the IPv4 addressing header, we can see the checksum field. IPv6 does not have it.
- Protocols Supported:
Another difference between IPv4 addressing and IPv6 addressing is the supported protocols. IPversion4 supports ARP and IGMP. IPv6 supports NDP and MLD.
Different Classes of IP Addresses
IPv4 addresses have five classes. They are:
- Class A addresses(Range from 1 to 126)
- class B addresses (Range from 128 to 191)
- Class C addresses (Range from 192 to 223)
- class D addresses (Range from 224 to 239)
- Class E addresses (Range from 240 to 254)
You have learned the differences between IPv4 and IPv6. Let me summarize the differences (in a table), and I believe this table will help you understand better.
| Difference | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | More Popular | Less Popular For now |
| Number Of Addresses | Less | More |
| Representation | 32-bit binary number | 128-bit binary number |
| Protocols Supported: | ARP and IGMP | NDP and MLD |
| Checksum field: | Present | Absent |
| Network Address Translation (NAT) | Supports | Absent |
| Packet Header | Smaller | Larger |
What is the Future of IPv4 and IPv6?
Right now, the majority of networks use IPv4. But it will change soon. The future is with IPv6.
Reference
- https://www.keralapsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/syllubus.pdf
- https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/question/0D5Kd0000BVVaCoKQL/whats-the-difference-between-ipv4-and-ipv6-for-the-ccna-lets-break-it-down-together-with-the-expert-wendell-odom
Author: Alex George
Alex George is the Chief Editor and founder of CoreNetworkZ EdTech Solutions. He is a software engineer and has 20 years of experience in the EdTech niche.
He graduated with a B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering from CUSAT and worked with three leading IT companies before starting CoreNetworkZ EdTech Solutions.
He possesses sound knowledge of SOHO Network Engineering and has completed various IT certifications, including CCNA, RHCE, and CEH.
He developed and published more than twenty professional custom themes for Blogger and is an expert in software app development.
You can contact him at alex.george@corenetworkz.com.
thanks for above information,
ReplyDeletethis is very good and basics of ip.