IPv6 is the next version of the Internet Protocol, which is what connects computers to each other and allows them to communicate over the web. It was approved in 1998 and has been in use since 2008, but it’s still not fully supported by most businesses. The main reason for this is that IPv4 addresses have run out—we’re currently using only 4 billion of them!
What’s wrong with the current IPv4 structure?
The current IPv4 address space is very limited and has pretty much ran out. Each person, device, computer or machine needs an IP address to communicate with other devices on the internet. This means that every person who wants to use the internet needs their own unique IP address if they don’t have one already.
How do IPv6 addresses work?
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “IPv6 is the future of the internet,” then you already know that IPv6 is a much larger addressing system than what we use today. It’s also important to note that IPv6 is not just for computers anymore—it’s for people and devices too!
An IPv4 address looks like this: 34.225.128.12
An IPv6 address looks like this: C0A8::100D:1E55:2B22::64
What is IPv6 and why does it matter?
IPv6 is the next version of the Internet Protocol, which is what connects computers to each other and allows them to communicate over the web. It was approved in 1998 and has been in use since 2008, but it’s still not fully supported by most businesses. The main reason for this is that IPv4 addresses have run out—we’re currently using only 4 billion of them!
IPv6 addresses are 128-bits long, expressed in hexadecimal (base 16).
- 128 bits = 16 bytes
- Hexadecimal is base 16, so 128 bits = 16 bytes
IPv6 addresses are 128-bit long. They’re expressed in hexadecimal (base 16), so each address consists of four groups separated by colons: AAAA:AAAA:BBBB..
There are different types of IPv6 addresses, including Unicast, Anycast, Multicast and Link-local.
There are different types of IPv6 addresses, including Unicast, Anycast, Multicast and Link-local.
Unicast is the most common type of IP address used by devices on a local network. It’s like an address that you have in your home—your street address where you live and work; it’s not shared with anyone else. For example: if I have an IPv6 link local address of 2001:db8::1234:5678:7888 (this is my personal data), then only packets sent through this router will reach me because they need to know what IP to send them to based on my MAC address or other identifying information about me as part of their routing table lookup process before being able to route packets out onto the internet backbone (the backbone is basically just another word for “internet”).
Anycast enables communication between devices connected together via unicasts but allows individual hosts within those groups communicate directly without needing any additional layers such as routers or firewalls involved in traditional unicast setups
Are IPv6 networks backwards compatible?
No, IPv6 is not backwards compatible with IPv4. The two versions of the Internet Protocol (IP) were developed at different times and so they can’t be used on the same network.
For instance, if you have a home Wi-Fi network that has been set up using an older router, you won’t be able to connect your new smartphone or tablet because it doesn’t support IPv6—the newer version of IP protocol that’s used for connecting devices over long distances (like between smartphones). However, there are ways around this problem:
- If you have multiple devices in your household (e.g., laptops and tablets), each device needs its own connection—one for each family member who wants access from within their local area network (LAN). This means installing new software onto each one before putting them back into use again; however there are ways around this too! You could buy another WiFi router which would allow everyone else within range access without needing any changes made themselves…
Businesses should consider upgrading their IT infrastructure so that they are IPv6 ready.
It is crucial that you consider upgrading your IT infrastructure so that you can get ready for IPv6. IPv6 is the next generation of internet addressing, and this new protocol will soon replace IPv4 (the current standard). While there are many benefits to having an IPv6-ready network, it’s important to note that upgrading your entire network requires planning and coordination with other departments within the company.
The best way to prepare for an upgrade like this is by establishing a communications plan beforehand. This includes building relationships with key stakeholders like IT staff members and marketing managers; making sure everyone understands what needs to happen during implementation; helping them understand how their roles change when moving from one version of IP addresses over another; explaining why it’s important not just now but also later on down the road when those same roles may reappear again — but now under different circumstances entirely!
Conclusion
So, if you’re a business and want to get the most out of your network, this is the time to do it. If all goes well, you can rest assured knowing that your company will be ready for whatever comes next—whether that’s another shift in technology or another economic recession.
