What You Always Wanted to Know About IPv6

Many of us are blissfully unaware of the intricate and complex system that makes up the Internet. We don't think about the micro-processes that occur every time we make a query.  Thankfully, unless it's your job, understanding these concepts is purely extracurricular.  That said, if you were ever curious as to what someone meant when they mentioned "IP address'" or "IPv4/IPv6", this article is for you.


The Basics

The Internet Protocol (IP) is a method by which data is transmitted from one computer to another on the internet.  Every computer has a unique address (IP address) and data is sent in packets of information from this address from the sender to the receiver’s.

The current version of the Internet uses a 32-bit IP addressing system.  However, since the Internet is expanding, there is a need for more available addresses.  The IPv6 addressing system is based on 128-bits, vastly increasing the number of addresses.  This new system is capable of supporting continued Internet expansion.


Advantages of IPv6

IPv6.com lists several advantages of IPv6 over IPv4:

• Larger address space
• Support for mobile devices
• Simplified address auto-configuration
• Improved address management
• Built-in security with end-to end IP Sec
• Enables more levels of hierarchy for route aggregation (Route aggregation on the Internet is similar to the ZIP code system used by the postal department. For e.g., mail addressed with ZIP codes 9xxxx are directed to the West coast. Regional and local post offices on the West coast then sort the mail by looking further into the ZIP code. For example, 98xxx letters are sent to Washington while 97xxx letters are sent to Oregon.)
• Makes it possible to upgrade functionality as needed, e.g., multicasting, QoS and mobility features. Quality of Service (QoS) is a technology that helps ease the congestion in packet-switched networks. QoS provides for network traffic to be divided into different classes during times of congestion, and helps in prioritizing information transfer.
• On the IPv6 platform, billions of new devices such as cell phones, PDA's, appliances and even cars can be IPv6 enabled;
• The Internet can extend its reach to billions of new users in densely populated regions of the world;
• The protocol makes it possible for "always on" access technologies like xDSL, Cable or Ethernet connectivity.


Tell me more!

One of the great advantages of studying anything computer related is that is is all online!  If you read this and are looking for more information on the subject, check out this awesome site!

http://ipv6.com/articles/general/IPv6-Beginners_Look.htm