IPv6

IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet Protocol, designed to replace IPv4 and provide a larger address space.

Why it matters

Supports a vastly larger number of devices.
Improves routing and network autoconfiguration.

How to measure

Check the percentage of IPv6 traffic.
Monitor adoption rates over time.

Details

IPv6 addresses the limitations of IPv4, notably the exhaustion of available addresses. With 128-bit addresses, IPv6 can support a virtually unlimited number of devices, which is critical as IoT and mobile devices proliferate. For mobile engineers, understanding IPv6 is essential for ensuring app compatibility and performance in modern networks.

IPv6 also introduces improvements in areas like routing efficiency, network autoconfiguration, and security features. Mobile apps need to be tested in IPv6 environments to ensure seamless operation, as many mobile networks are transitioning to IPv6.

Examples & formulas

An example of an IPv6 address is 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334, which provides a vast address space compared to IPv4's 32-bit addresses.

Common mistakes

Ignoring IPv6 testing, which can lead to app failures in IPv6-only networks.
Assuming IPv4 and IPv6 are interchangeable without adjustments, leading to compatibility issues.