The new IPv6 standard was developed for the following reasons:
- IPv4 address space allows for approximately four billion IP addresses for unique identities in networks. When the IPv4 standard was implemented in the '80s this address space was considered to be sufficient. Due to the enormous growth of the World Wide Web and the unexpectedly large number of computers and network devices, an address shortage has arisen that the IPv6 standard is intended to bridge.
- The increase in address space with IPv6 hampers the scanning of IP addresses by viruses and Trojans. The broader spectrum provides greater protection against attacks.
- IPv6 has been implemented with a view to the security requirements. For this reason it uses the security protocol IPSec (IP Security). This provides secure network communications on layer 3 whereas many of IPv4 security mechanisms only operate on higher layers.
- Simplified, fixed descriptors for data packets save on router processing power and thus accelerate the available throughput.
- IPv6 allows for easier and faster transmission of data in real time, making it suitable for multimedia applications such as Internet telephony and Internet TV.
- So-called mobile IPs allow you to use a fixed IP address to login to different networks. This allows you to log on with your laptop using the same IP address, whether you are in your home network, in a café or at work.