IPv4 in plain language
IPv4 is the older and still widely used Internet Protocol version. Its addresses use four numbers from 0 to 255 separated by periods. The limited address supply led networks to use NAT, which lets several devices share one public IPv4 address.
Because IPv4 is supported almost everywhere, it remains an important compatibility layer. A connection can work perfectly even when no public IPv6 address is available.
Why IPv6 was created
IPv6 provides an extremely large address space by using 128-bit addresses written as hexadecimal groups. It was designed to support far more networks and devices without depending on widespread address sharing.
IPv6 also modernizes parts of network configuration and routing. It does not automatically make every connection faster or more private; real performance still depends on providers, routes, equipment and server support.
- IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses
- IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses
- IPv4 commonly relies on NAT
- IPv6 and IPv4 can operate together
What dual stack means
A dual-stack network has both IPv4 and IPv6 connectivity. Your browser can choose the protocol supported by the destination and the available route. This allows newer IPv6 traffic while preserving access to IPv4-only services.
If an IP checker displays both addresses, the site reached separate IPv4 and IPv6 endpoints successfully. If only one appears, the missing protocol may be unavailable anywhere between your device and the test endpoint.
Does IPv6 expose more information?
An IPv6 address can be unique to a device or connection, but modern operating systems commonly use temporary privacy addresses for outbound connections. Providers may also rotate the network prefix assigned to a customer.
Both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses remain network identifiers. Neither protocol gives a website direct access to your exact physical address, files or device contents.