Think of the internet like a massive, global apartment complex. With IPv4, we were running out of apartment numbers. IPv6, however, offers so many addresses it's like suddenly having infinite apartments available. This abundance means every device (your smartphone, smart fridge, or car) can have its own unique address, connecting directly to the internet without sharing or needing complex management systems.
Because every device can have its own unique IPv6 address, they can talk to each other directly, without intermediaries. This is like being able to call someone in the same building directly rather than having to route your call through a switchboard. This directness supports a decentralized internet, where communication doesn't have to go through central hubs (like servers of big companies), promoting a more open and peer-to-peer way of connecting.
NAT (Network Address Translation) is a technology that was a workaround for the address shortage in IPv4, allowing multiple devices to hide behind one public IP address. This was like having a single mailbox for an entire apartment block. With IPv6, NAT is not needed because of the vast number of available addresses, removing a layer of complexity and control from internet service providers and potentially central authorities, fostering a more decentralized network structure.
IPv6 includes better built-in security features, which can help protect data as it moves across the internet. This is akin to having a better lock on each apartment door and a security system built into the building from the start. While this doesn't directly relate to decentralization, it supports the idea of a safer, user-empowered internet.
In short, support IPv6 and you will support a decentralized internet.
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