IPv6 vs IPv4: The Basic Difference

There are 2 trillion galexies in the observable universe and each galaxy might have about 100 billion starts.

Let's assume each of those stars have a habitable planet, and each habitable planet has 10 billion intelligent people just like us.

Now, if we had to map everyone to a common internet or a common IP system;

There are 2 trillion galaxies x 100 billion stars x 10 billion individuals = 10^34 people

To map each of those on to an IP system we will need;

2^n >= 10^34 

⇒ n ≥ log₂(10³⁴) ≈ 34 × log₂(10) ≈ 34 × 3.3219 ≈ 113 bits

So we will need an IP system of 113 bits.

IPv4 is about 32 bits so it can cover about ~4.3 billion people. Also due to segmentation and reservations, the range reduces to roughly 3.7 billion.

IPv6 is of 128 bits. So IPv6 can cover addresses for all galaxies in the observable universe and you will still have some room left.

Turns out, IPv6 isn't just future-proof for Earth. It's galactic-level ready.