What is an IPv6 address?
Everyone has probably heard of an IP address. Very few people know what an IPv6 address is. We will explain what this is all about and what the new standard is needed for.
IPv6 and IPv4 address: what's the difference?
IP addresses are required to access the Internet. Accordingly, each device is assigned one as soon as it establishes a connection to the Internet.
- According to the IPv4 standard, the usual IP addresses consist of up to 12 digits - for example 2.280.197.209. The new IPv6 standard consists of up to 32 characters.
- Since only around 4.3 billion combinations are possible with IPv4 and the number of Internet users is increasing, a new standard was needed. Around 340 sextillion combinations are possible with IPv6.
- From 2012, the new system was also introduced for German Internet users. By 2015, IPv4 is to be completely replaced by IPv6 in Germany. This applies to both DSL connections and the mobile network.
- There are no changes for the normal user. Only very old routers could have problems with IPv6 and would have to be replaced.
- The question arises as to why 4.3 billion IP addresses are not sufficient: It is assumed that in a few years many more devices will be connected to the Internet than is the case today. Refrigerators, clocks and cars - everything can be connected to the Internet. If you assume that every inhabitant of the world connects several devices to the Internet every day, the possibilities of IPv4 are no longer sufficient.
- An IPv6 address can look like this: 8701: 7ac8: 85a3: 09s3: 1319: 8a2e: 0370: 7344. You can find out whether you already have an IPv6 address on this website.
- Conclusion: IPv6 will be necessary in just a few years due to the growing use of the Internet. However, users have nothing to fear and will hardly notice the change.