IPv4 is inefficient. Period. The article on zdnet.co.uk points out that the routers that comprise the internet backbone contain routing tables that maintain over 85,000 routes. This seems to be a glaring inefficiency, almost negating the purpose of routers to provide quick and efficient routes.
Among other problems with IPv4, security is an issue. Though there are vendor-specific ways to encrypt data on IPv4, no real standardized solution exists. There is certainly a need for an internet standard to address this issue. With the advent of e-commerce and things of the like, security is an issue not to be taken lightly. In order for the next echelon of e-commerce to be traversed, it seems that security and efficiency issues must be resolved.
IPv6 seems to be just the tool needed to breathe life back into the internet, and expand the horizons to the broader possibilities that the internet and networking in general can provide. Sounds like I’m selling it to you, no? Anyway, IPv6 can bring networks back from the dead and give them new life and reassurance.
First and foremost, the issue to limited addressing is eradicated with IPv6. IPv6 allows for 2128 addresses. This new 128-bit address scheme eliminates the possibility of running out of addresses, at least for quite awhile.
Another cool feature of IPv6 is the ability to auto-configure IP addresses, almost eliminating the need for DHCP, because the computers will poll others around them and determine an appropriate IP address for itself. This plug n play scheme will allow for wireless devices to travel seamlessly across cells without degradation or differentiation of service, to my understanding.
IPv6 also incorporates various elements of the IPv4 header into a flow label; allowing for a simpler header and less relative overhead. A diagram of this is on the last page of this essay, with its’ source immediately beneath. Optional components once found in the front of an IPv4 header, whether used or not, are now located in an extension header in IPv6, and are only present when used. This also reduces minimum packet size and boosts efficiency.
IPv6 utilizes the hierarchical nature of the internet to its advantage. IPv6 is designed to utilize smaller routing tables, thus allowing for faster routes due to smaller search times. The routers will only be aware of other routers connected directly to them, and the IPv6 packet serves as an almost self-steering packet.
Regarding security, IPv6 has IPSec encryption incorporated. This solves the problem of the lack standardized encryption and security solutions.
One of the drawbacks to IPv6, however, is that it is costly to implement, though it is a worthy (and eventually required, right?) investment. During my research, I can across internet communities dedicated to IPv6 implementation who are already reaping the benefits of implementation. They seem pretty excited, too.
