IPv4 vs. IPv6 : What is the Difference between this protocols?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
The biggest difference is the number of available addresses. IPv4 uses a 32-bit system and supports about 4.3 billion unique addresses, while IPv6 uses a 128-bit system that allows more than 340 undecillion addresses. IPv6 also includes better security and faster data routing.
2. Which version is faster, IPv4 or IPv6?
In most cases, IPv6 can be faster because it eliminates the need for NAT translation used in IPv4. However, actual speed also depends on your ISP, VPN, router, and network configuration.
3. Is IPv6 more secure than IPv4?
Yes. IPv6 was designed with IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) built in, offering encryption and authentication by default. IPv4 requires additional tools like VPNs or proxies to achieve similar security levels.
4. Why do we still use IPv4 if IPv6 is better?
Because IPv4 has been around for decades and remains widely supported across all systems, devices, and networks. The global transition to IPv6 is gradual — many ISPs and hosting providers are still upgrading their infrastructure.
5. How can I check if I’m using IPv4 or IPv6?
You can easily check it using Whats My IP, which shows your public IP address, ISP, and IP version instantly.
You can also use commands like ipconfig or ifconfig on your computer, or check your network settings on mobile.
6. Do VPNs support IPv6?
Not all VPNs support IPv6 yet. Some only handle IPv4 traffic, while premium options like ProtonVPN, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN offer full IPv6 compatibility, ensuring better privacy and no data leaks.
7. Should I switch to IPv6 now?
Yes — if your ISP and router support it. IPv6 provides better security, speed, and future-proof performance. But if your network still relies on IPv4, it’s perfectly fine; both versions will coexist for years.
8. What happens if I disable IPv6 on my device?
Disabling IPv6 won’t break your connection, but it might cause compatibility issues with modern websites or apps that already use IPv6. It’s recommended to keep both IPv4 and IPv6 enabled for the best experience.
9. Can I have both IPv4 and IPv6 at the same time?
Yes, many systems use dual-stack connections, meaning they run both IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously. This allows smooth compatibility between new and old Internet systems while transitioning fully to IPv6.
10. How can I find my IP address online?
Visit Whats My IP to instantly check your IP address, location, and ISP details. It works for both IPv4 and IPv6, and helps you verify your VPN or proxy connection as well.
IPv4 vs IPv6: Difference Between the Two Internet Protocols
The Internet relies on IP addresses to identify and connect every device in the world. When you browse the web, send an email, or run a hosting server, your connection is powered by something called the Internet Protocol — specifically, IPv4 or IPv6.
These two versions of the protocol determine how your device, ISP, and network tools communicate online. Understanding them is essential to improve speed, security, and connectivity across your router, proxy, or VPN setup.
In this guide, we’ll explore IPv4 and IPv6 in detail, showing their differences, advantages, and how they work, so you can better manage your Internet connection and check your IP address anytime.
What Are IPv4 and IPv6?
Both IPv4 and IPv6 are types of IP addresses that identify your device on a network.
If you want to learn more about what an IP address is and how it works, you can check our main article on that topic .
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) was introduced in 1983 and has been the backbone of the Internet for decades.
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the newer version, created to solve IPv4’s limitations and support the growing number of connected devices worldwide.
IPv4 Explained
IPv4 uses a 32-bit numerical address system that looks something like 192.168.1.1.
It allows around 4.3 billion unique addresses, which seemed enough decades ago — but today, with billions of devices, this pool is nearly exhausted.
Characteristics of IPv4
Uses numbers separated by dots (e.g., 172.16.254.1).
Supports Network Address Translation (NAT), allowing multiple devices to share one public IP.
Compatible with almost all routers, devices, and operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Works with most VPNs, proxy servers, and ISP configurations.
Simple and lightweight, which keeps connections fast and efficient.
Advantages of IPv4
Universal Compatibility: Works with almost every hosting and network tool.
Lower Infrastructure Costs: Easy for ISPs and hosting companies to maintain.
Reliable Performance: Proven and optimized through decades of use.
Widespread Support: All major VPNs, proxies, and APIs support IPv4.
Limitations of IPv4
Despite its reliability, IPv4 has one major problem: limited address space.
As more devices connect to the Internet — from smartphones to smart TVs and routers — there aren’t enough IPv4 addresses left.
To solve this, engineers developed IPv6.
IPv6 Explained
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) uses a 128-bit alphanumeric system, allowing over 340 undecillion unique addresses — that’s a number so big that it effectively eliminates address shortages.
An IPv6 address looks like this:2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
Characteristics of IPv6
Written in hexadecimal and separated by colons.
Supports automatic configuration (no need for manual setup).
Provides faster data routing, reducing latency and improving speed tests.
Enhances online security through built-in encryption and authentication.
Enables direct device-to-device communication without relying on NAT.
Advantages of IPv6
Unlimited Addresses: Perfect for an expanding Internet of Things (IoT).
Improved Security: Includes IPsec, a protocol for encrypted and authenticated communication.
Faster Performance: Reduces the number of translation steps needed by IPv4.
Better for VPNs and Hosting: Provides more stable connections for VPNs, proxy servers, and hosting platforms.
Future-Proof Technology: IPv6 will power the Internet as IPv4 becomes outdated.
Limitations of IPv6
Limited Compatibility: Some older routers, ISPs, or network tools may not fully support IPv6.
Complex Transition: Switching from IPv4 to IPv6 can require system upgrades.
Mixed Adoption: Many websites and hosting services still rely primarily on IPv4.
Key Differences Between IPv4 and IPv6
The shift from IPv4 to IPv6 brings both technical and practical changes that impact Internet performance, privacy, and connectivity.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how they differ:
Address Format: IPv4 uses numeric (e.g., 192.0.2.1), while IPv6 uses alphanumeric (e.g., 2001:db8::1).
Capacity: IPv4 supports 4.3 billion addresses; IPv6 supports 340 undecillion.
Security: IPv6 includes built-in encryption and authentication, while IPv4 requires external tools like VPNs or proxies.
Speed: IPv6 can offer faster connections by eliminating NAT translation delays.
Compatibility: IPv4 remains dominant, but IPv6 adoption grows rapidly across ISPs, routers, and hosting servers.
Network Tools and APIs: IPv6 works seamlessly with modern network APIs, data monitoring tools, and online IP lookup services like Whats My IP.
Why IPv6 Is the Future of the Internet
The modern Internet needs scalability, security, and efficiency — all strengths of IPv6.
While IPv4 remains necessary, the future clearly belongs to IPv6 due to its endless IP capacity, faster data handling, and stronger privacy controls.
As more ISPs, routers, and VPNs adopt IPv6, users will enjoy:
Lower latency in speed tests.
More reliable hosting and proxy connections.
Improved online security and privacy.
Seamless support for millions of IoT devices.
If your current ISP doesn’t yet support IPv6, check their status using online tools or reach out to them directly.
You can also test your own IP version on our website 🔗.
How to Check If You’re Using IPv4 or IPv6
Finding your IP version is easy.
Simply visit Whats My IP — the tool will instantly display your public IP address, whether it’s IPv4 or IPv6, along with your ISP and connection details.
Alternatively:
On Windows, open Command Prompt and type
ipconfig.On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and type
ifconfigorip addr show.On Android/iPhone, check your network settings under Wi-Fi details.
These tools also help you verify your VPN, proxy, or router configuration.
IPv4 and IPv6 in VPNs and Proxy Servers
When you use a VPN or proxy, your public IP address changes to protect your privacy.
Some VPNs support only IPv4, while others offer full IPv6 compatibility, which ensures better security and fewer leaks.
Popular VPNs that support IPv6 include NordVPN, ProtonVPN, and ExpressVPN — all of which provide fast servers, encrypted data, and reliable network tools to keep your online activity secure.
Using a VPN is one of the best ways to:
Hide your real IP address.
Encrypt your Internet connection.
Access content securely across regions.
Improve your online privacy and data protection.
Why You Should Care About Your IP Version
Most users don’t realize that their IP version affects their network performance, security, and even website access.
Knowing whether you’re on IPv4 or IPv6 helps you:
Detect connection issues.
Choose compatible VPNs, routers, or hosting platforms.
Optimize your ISP connection and speed tests.
Manage your devices more effectively using network tools and APIs.
Conclusion
IPv4 and IPv6 are the foundations of how the Internet works.
IPv4 continues to be widely used and stable, but IPv6 is the future — faster, more secure, and unlimited.
Understanding these two versions of the Internet Protocol helps you make better decisions about network tools, VPNs, routers, and online privacy.
Check your current IP address, version, and connection details now at Whats My IP — and take full control of your Internet experience today.
Oct 7, 2025
