In-Depth Discussion on IPv4 & IPv6

As IPv4 address is running out, several calls for action have been made for organizations to adopt the newer version of the Internet Protocol, IPv6, which will gradually replace the IPv4 protocol. We have discussed about the difference between IPv4 & IPv6 in the previous blog. Today, we are going to do an in-depth discussion about IPv4 and IPv6.

Will IPv4 be turning off?

Perhaps never. The aim of IPv6 deployment is to ensure network growth and continued interconnectivity when IPv4 address space is exhausted and difficult to access. Moreover, as the global Internet continues to grow, it is possible that a growing number of Internet sites will only be accessible via IPv6. Besides, to prevent conflicts, networks and devices should be completely IPv6-enabled to take advantage of IPv6-only sites, but IPv4 can coexist with IPv6-only sites before companies decide that it is no longer necessary or cost-effective to maintain them. In practice, it may never be cost-effective or practical to update certain legacy systems, but translation mechanisms, such as NAT64 and 464XLAT, are available to support them as long as they are needed and in use. There’s some concerned about the services will get switched off since IPv4 address is facing depletion problem. The answer is no due to both IPv4 and IPv6 will run in parallel until there is no longer any need to do so.

Which is more secure?

Arguments on IPv4 vs IPv6 protection also concentrate on various aspects of network deployment. It has been claimed that IPv6 supports enhanced protection since IP Security (IPsec) was initially designed for IPv6 and its implementation was supposed to be a mandatory part of the protocol. However, IPsec can also be used with IPv4 and is now simply recommended for use with IPv6 because it was deemed impractical to require complete IPsec implementations for all types of devices that could use IPv6. The advantages of using IPsec are comparable to both IPv4 and IPv6.

Conversely, the expanded address space provided by IPv6 effectively removes the need to use NAT devices that are prevalent in many IPv4 networks and implicitly implement the filtering policy of only allowing outgoing communications." As a result, IPv6 was supposed to increase host exposure. However, host exposure can be minimized by using network firewalls, e.g., at the same point in the network topology where a NAT system is used in the IPv4 network).

Some of the IPv6 security problems reported were linked to vulnerabilities in individual items rather than the IPv6 protocol. IPv4 is commonly used and individual IPv4 products have gone through a recurring period of finding and repairing security vulnerabilities and other bugs. Many IPv6 products are relatively newer and have fewer users and have thus not benefited from similar experience. As with every Internet product, security vulnerabilities need to be found and fixed for IPv6 product.

IPv6 is being adapted to the operating standards developed over several years for IPv4 networks, which will intensify as more network operators deploy IPv6 and continue to share knowledge on experience and best practices through developed operator groups, the IETF and other forums.

Maintaining network security is a daunting undertaking both for IPv4 and IPv6. Neither protocol offers a straightforward solution to the complexities of network security and network operators can familiarize themselves with IPv6 security practices and remain up to date with innovations as they implement and operate IPv6.

Challenges of IPv4 & IPv6

The implementation of IPv6 still takes time due to the transition to IPv6 did not give clear benefits to network operators, businesses or vendors in the short term, needed some investment, and was a new protocol to handle as few IPv6 services were available. In addition, the implementation of Network Address Translation (NAT) and Classless Internet Domain Routing (CIDR) significantly expanded the IPv4 address space to accommodate many more devices without the need to update or replace them.

At the meantime, IPv4 address space is near exhaustion, it is no longer possible to acquire more IPv4 addresses quickly and cheaply. Therefore, IP Leasing will be an ideal option to the market. LARUS is offering one-of-a-kind IPv4 leasing solutions to companies at all size. With over thousand of solutions made, we guarantee a 48hours speedy transfer process. Contact our team here to get more information.

(Content Source: Internet Society)