Over the past few years, technological advancements have been obvious in different sectors. In the same way, internet utility has moved from Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) to version 6 (IPv6).
The introduction of IPv6 in 2012 was to mitigate a limitation discovered in the IPv4 – finite number and addresses. IPv6 could solve the IPv4 problem due to the new standard on which it was built. But IPv6 also came with benefits like traffic and packet headers routing.
However, using a new standard for IPv6 meant that IPv4 connections and traffic couldn’t communicate with servers built on IPv6. Hence, the need for an IPv6 proxy.
What is an IP Address?
IP means Internet Protocol, a set of rules guiding the data format transferred over local networks and the internet.
This protocol then features unique identifiers known as IP addresses. IP addresses work to give identity to a device accessing a local network or the internet. The addresses and strings of numbers separated by periods also facilitate the transfer of information across network devices.
Difference between IPv6 and iIPv4
Several differences exist between IPv4 and IPv6, and the table below succinctly addresses both peculiarities.
| IPv4 | IPv6 |
| Can only have up to 4.3 billion addresses | It provides an infinite number of addresses |
| It uses four 1-byte decimal numbers separated by a period | It uses a hexadecimal numbering system, where colons separate the figures |
| It has 32 bits on the IP address | It has 128 bits on the IP address |
| Used by 99% of the networks | Used by 1% of the networks |
| Less compatible with mobile networks | More compatible with mobile networks |
| Allows for lesser payloads | Allows for bigger payloads |
| This causes the router to perform heavier tasks | Simplifies the router’s task |
| Facilitates DHCP and Manual address configuration | Facilitates Auto and renumbering address configuration |
| Connection integrity is unachievable in IPv4 end to end | Connection integrity is achievable in IPv6 end to end |
| The security feature of IPv4 depends on the application built on it | The IPv6 features IPSEC, an in-built security system |
| The Sender and forwarding router facilitates the fragmentation process | The fragmentation process is facilitated by the Sender only |
| Presence of checksum field | Absence of checksum field |
| Uses a broadcast Message Transmission Scheme | Uses multicast and anycast message transmission scheme |
| It does not include an encryption and authentication facility | Includes encryption and authentication facility |
IPv6 Proxies and their Features
An IPv6 proxy is a software situated at the edge of a network, translating IPv4 to IPv6. The presence of IPv6 proxies ensures that a server can manage the traffic by both standards. By doing this, internet service providers, organizations, and carriers can interact with network traffic irrespective of where it’s coming from.
IPv6 proxies are similar to the IPv6 gateways. Both can be implemented on hardware and software and also aids network translation. However, they differ because proxies are designed to conceal the network they’re operating from while filtering traffic for security purposes. Gateways, on the other hand, don’t filter traffic.
IPv6 proxies have the following features:
- Larger address space
- Simplified header
- End-to-end connectivity
- Auto-configuration
- Faster routing
- IPsec
- Aggregation
- Anycast support
- Improved priority support
- Extensibility
- Smooth transition
- Mobility
What is IPv6 Proxies Used For?
IPv6 proxies play considerable roles in modern network design. Here are some uses of IPv6 proxies you can benefit from.
Improving Security
The presence of the IPsec feature in IPv6 proxies helps them offer improved security. You can use the proxy to hide the internal structure of your company’s network. Since the IPv6 proxies aid traffic filtration, you can use them to limit access for your company’s employees.
Other security advantages that come with IPv6 proxies are virus and malware blockages. The proxy is designed to prevent virus and malware invasion.
Enhancing performance
You can improve the performance of your network’s application by caching proxies. The caching process involves keeping local duplicates of frequently used resources, reducing the demand for such resources on the network.
Proxies can also improve the geo-targeted advertising experience, as you can test them before deploying. Furthermore, SEO-specific IPv6 proxies can be used for keyword research, distributed botting, and rank tracking.
You can also use IPv6 proxies to do web scraping during data collection. Thanks to these proxies, you can easily access data on older networks and servers. You can visit Oxylabs to see an example of how IPv6 can be used for web scraping.
Beat IP Restrictions
On the internet, it’s commonplace to suffer from IP restrictions. IPv6 Proxies can be used to beat these restrictions, hence, gaining access to any website. IPv6 proxies can be used to access media content from around the world without suffering geo-programmed IP restrictions.
Anonymity
IPv6 proxies make it impossible for networks to see your computer IP address, as only the IP address of the proxy is visible. Hence, you can remain anonymous.
Conclusion
As an improvement to the IPv4, the IPv6 proxy is recommended for developing modern network systems. IPv6 offers better security and performance while the network infrastructure remains simpler. Further, it’s cheaper and more ubiquitous, which makes it a better option going into the future.
