Episode 46: IPv4 vs. IPv6 — A Structural Comparison

This episode compares IPv4 and IPv6, highlighting their structural differences and why both remain important on the exam and in practice. IPv4 uses 32-bit addressing, expressed in dotted decimal notation, and supports about 4.3 billion addresses. IPv6, with 128-bit addressing written in hexadecimal, provides a virtually unlimited address space. Beyond addressing, IPv6 introduces built-in features like simplified headers, integrated security through IPsec, and autoconfiguration options, all of which represent major improvements over IPv4.

The discussion expands with practical implications. Exam questions may require you to identify when IPv4 or IPv6 is being used, recognize address formats, or compare features. Real-world scenarios include organizations running dual-stack networks, migration challenges, and troubleshooting compatibility issues. By mastering the distinctions, you’ll be prepared to evaluate exam scenarios accurately and support networks that rely on both protocols in parallel. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your certification path.