What Is IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6)?

IPv6 overcomes the lack of IPv4 addresses and provides a larger address space to accommodate the growing number of internet-connected devices. It offers many improvements and additional features that generally advance internet communication.

IPv6 addresses are 128 bits long, representing eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons, such as 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. Bits are binary digits that are the smallest data increments on a computer. The expanded address space of IPv6 allows for approximately 340 undecillion (3.4 x 10^38) unique addresses, ensuring that every device can have a globally unique identifier.

IPv6 benefits

One of the primary benefits of IPV6 is the increased address space in IPv6, which eliminates the need for techniques like network address translation (NAT), commonly used in IPv4, to conserve address space. NAT allows multiple devices to share a single public IP address, but it introduces complexity and can cause issues with specific applications. With IPv6, each device has its public IP address, simplifying network configurations and facilitating direct end-to-end communication. Here are additional benefits that IPv6 offers include the following: 

• IPv6 offers a simpler and more efficient header than the IPv4 header, resulting in faster routing and improved network performance. It also supports more efficient packet handling, eliminating the need for header checksums at every intermediate hop.

• IPv6 introduces built-in security support through IPsec (internet protocol security). IPsec provides encryption and authentication at the network layer, ensuring secure device communication. While IPsec was optional in IPv4, it is an integral part of IPv6, enhancing privacy and data integrity across the internet.

• IPv6 incorporates features that support mobility and auto-configuration. Devices on Mobile IPv6 can move between different networks without losing connectivity, allowing for uninterrupted communication while on the move. 

• IPv6 also includes stateless address auto-configuration (SLAAC), which allows devices to generate their IPv6 addresses and obtain necessary network information without relying on external configuration servers.

Transitioning to IPv6

The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is an ongoing process. Many organisations and internet service providers (ISPs) have started deploying IPv6 infrastructure to ensure compatibility and future-proof their networks. However, complete IPv6 adoption requires the cooperation and support of all network stakeholders, including internet service providers, hardware manufacturers, software developers, and end-users.

IPv6 examples

IPv6 addresses are in hexadecimal notation and divided into eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons. Each group represents 16 bits, resulting in 32 characters in the address. It doesn’t need leading zeros within each group, and you can compress consecutive groups of zeros by using a double colon (::), but this abbreviation can only be used once in an address.

For example, consider the following IPv6 address: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. In this address, each group of four hexadecimal digits represents 16 bits. The leading zeros within each group are unnecessary, resulting in the address 2001:db8:85a3:0:0:8a2e:370:7334. A double colon (::) can replace consecutive groups of zeros, but only once. Thus, the address can be further abbreviated as 2001:db8:85a3::8a2e:370:7334.

Related terms

• CPU

• BIOS

• CIDR

• TCP/IP

• Operating system

Get started in information technology

While IPv6 implementation has been slow-moving, its cost efficiency, easy setup, and optimal network auto-configuration make IPv6 worth the wait. The more you understand what some consider the internet’s future, the better prepared you’ll be to begin a career in information technology. 

If you want to learn more about IPv6 and other IT concepts, consider the Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera. These courses help you acquire the skills and knowledge needed to pursue an entry-level IT career. Upon completion, you’ll have exclusive access to a job platform with over 150 employees hiring for entry-level IT roles and other resources supporting your job search.