IPv4 vs. IPv6

The Internet relies on IP addresses to route data. Currently, there are two co-existing versions of this protocol: IPv4 and the newer IPv6.

What is IPv4?

Introduced in the early 1980s, IPv4 is the most widely used protocol today. It uses a 32-bit address format (e.g., `192.168.1.1`), which allows for approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses.

In the modern age of smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices, 4.3 billion addresses were exhausted rapidly, leading to complicated workarounds like NAT (Network Address Translation).

Enter IPv6

To solve the exhaustion of IPv4, IPv6 was developed. It utilizes a massive 128-bit address format (e.g., `2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334`).

• Virtually Infinite: IPv6 allows for 340 undecillion unique addresses. That's enough for every atom on the surface of the earth!
• Cleaner Networks: Eliminates the need for NAT, allowing true end-to-end device connectivity.
• Built-in Security: Uses IPSec implicitly, offering stronger modern encryption pathways at the network layer.

Are you using IPv6?

Many modern mobile networks and home fiber ISPs issue IPv6 addresses by default today. Our lookup tools seamlessly support both formats!