Larger Address Space: IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (vs. 32-bit in IPv4), allowing many more devices to connect. Improved Security: IPv6 has built-in features like data authentication and encryption, making connections safer.. The Internet Protocol (IP) is the fundamental protocol that enables end-to-end communication between hosts on the Internet. Living in the Network Layer of the OSI model, IP is able to reach the intended host by simply using the destination IP address and the routing protocols that have been configured on… In this article, we’ll explore the main differences between IPv4 and IPv6 , their pros and cons, and why companies often need access to both. What Is IPv4? IPv4 was introduced in 1983 and uses a 32-bit addressing system, providing approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses. But what are the key distinctions between these two internet protocols, and how do they impact our daily lives in the context of “IPv4 vs IPv6 ”? In this article, we will learn the origins of IPv4 and IPv6 , compare their features, and explore the challenges of transitioning between them.