Top 15 Interview Questions on IP Addressing

An IP address is crucial in networking as it serves as a unique identifier for devices, enabling communication over a network. It facilitates data transmission by ensuring packets reach the correct destination, similar to how a home address directs mail. Without IP addresses, devices wouldn’t be able to locate or interact with each other, making the internet and local networks non-functional. IP addresses also support routing, security policies, and network management, playing a key role in efficient data flow. In modern networking, both IPv4 and IPv6 ensure seamless connectivity, supporting the growing number of devices in the digital world. Prepare for your next networking interview with these Top 15 Interview Questions on IP Addressing, covering concepts, subnetting, and troubleshooting tips.

So let’s have a look at some FAQs related to IPv4 and IPv6 ….

FAQs on IPv4 and IPv6

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about IPv4 and IPv6, covering key differences, challenges, and adoption strategies.

General FAQs

What is the main difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, supporting ~4.3 billion unique IPs.
IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses, supporting trillions of unique IPs.
IPv6 eliminates address exhaustion and improves security & performance.

Why do we need IPv6 if IPv4 still works?

IPv4 addresses are almost exhausted, forcing the use of NAT (Network Address Translation).
IPv6 provides a larger address space, better routing efficiency, and built-in security.
The internet is expanding with IoT, cloud computing, and mobile devices, requiring more addresses.

Can IPv4 and IPv6 work together?

Yes, but they are not directly compatible.
Transition mechanisms like Dual Stack, Tunneling, and NAT64 help them coexist.

IPv4 FAQs

Why is IPv4 still widely used?

Most networks, devices, and applications are built for IPv4.
NAT and subnetting allow IPv4 to continue working despite address exhaustion.
Businesses delay migration due to costs, compatibility issues, and lack of urgency.

What are the main problems with IPv4?

Limited address space (only ~4.3 billion addresses).
NAT dependency, which adds complexity and affects real-time applications. • Security vulnerabilities (IPv4 wasn’t designed with built-in security).
Manual IP management (IPv4 requires more DHCP and subnetting efforts).

Will IPv4 ever be completely replaced?

Unlikely in the near future. IPv4 will coexist with IPv6 for a long time. • Some legacy systems and networks may never migrate fully.

IPv6 FAQs

What are the benefits of IPv6?

Larger address space (trillions of IPs, no more exhaustion).
Better security (IPsec is built-in).
Simpler network configuration (no need for NAT, better auto-configuration). • Improved performance (efficient routing, no broadcast traffic).

Why is IPv6 adoption so slow?

High cost of migration for businesses and ISPs.
IPv4 with NAT still works, reducing urgency.
Compatibility issues with some applications and legacy devices. • Lack of IPv6 training among network engineers.

Does IPv6 improve security?

Yes, IPv6 has built-in IPsec, making encryption and authentication mandatory.
However, misconfigurations can introduce new security risks (e.g., rogue router advertisements, NDP spoofing).

Are all websites and applications IPv6-ready?

No, many websites and services still rely on IPv4.
Major platforms like Google, Facebook, and YouTube fully support IPv6.

Migration & Future FAQs

How can organizations transition from IPv4 to IPv6?

Dual Stack: Run both IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously.
Tunneling: Encapsulate IPv6 in IPv4 to communicate over IPv4 networks. • NAT64: Translate IPv6 traffic into IPv4 for compatibility.

Is IPv6 faster than IPv4?

In some cases, yes, because:
IPv6 has no NAT, reducing processing delays.
IPv6 routing is more efficient.
However, real-world performance depends on network infrastructure and ISP support.

How can I check if my device or network supports IPv6?

Use “ipconfig” (Windows) or “ifconfig” (Linux/macOS) to check for an IPv6 address.
Visit https://test-ipv6.com/ to check if your internet connection supports IPv6.

What happens if I don’t switch to IPv6?

Eventually, IPv4 addresses will become too scarce, making new network deployments harder.
Organizations will pay higher costs for IPv4 addresses.
IPv6-only services may become more common, causing compatibility issues.

Will IPv6 ever be replaced by a new protocol?

Not in the foreseeable future. IPv6 was designed to last for decades due to its massive address space.
Future enhancements may improve security, routing, and performance, but a full replacement is unlikely soon.

Final Thoughts

✔ IPv4 is still dominant, but it has limitations.

✔ IPv6 solves IPv4’s problems but faces adoption challenges.

✔ Migration is happening slowly, but eventually, IPv6 will take over.

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Author:-

Swati Shewale

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