Protocol comparison
IPv4 vs IPv6
Both protocols route internet traffic, but they use different address sizes, notation, and deployment models.
IPv4 and IPv6 comparison
| Feature | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
| Address size | 32 bits | 128 bits |
| Example | 192.0.2.10 | 2001:db8::10 |
| Notation | Four decimal octets | Hexadecimal groups |
| Address supply | About 4.3 billion before reservations | Extremely large |
| Private/local use | RFC 1918 private ranges | Unique local and link-local ranges |
| NAT | Common because of scarcity | Usually unnecessary for address conservation |
| DNS record | A | AAAA |
| Deployment | Universal legacy support | Growing, commonly dual stack |
Which protocol are you using?
A device can support both. The address shown by an IP checker is the protocol used for that request. Read the detailed guides to IPv4 and IPv6.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is IPv6 faster than IPv4?
Sometimes, but protocol version alone does not determine speed. Routing, peering, latency, and provider configuration matter more.
Can a device use IPv4 and IPv6 together?
Yes. Dual-stack networks support both and select a route for each destination.
Does IPv6 remove the need for a firewall?
No. Firewalls and secure host configuration remain necessary on IPv6 networks.