IPv4 vs IPv6 — What's the Difference?
IPv4 is running out of addresses. IPv6 is the replacement. Here's what the difference actually means for you.
Updated 2026
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What IPv4 looks like
Four numbers separated by dots:
192.168.1.1. IPv4 supports about 4.3 billion unique addresses — which sounded like a lot in 1981 and isn't enough today. -
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What IPv6 looks like
Eight groups of hex digits:
2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334. IPv6 supports 340 undecillion addresses — effectively unlimited. -
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Why IPv6 exists
We've run out of unallocated IPv4 addresses. NAT and private IPs stretched IPv4 further, but IPv6 is the permanent solution.
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Does it affect you right now?
Most home users are already using both (dual-stack). Your devices connect over IPv6 when possible and fall back to IPv4. You rarely need to think about it.
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When IPv6 matters
Hosting servers, enterprise networking, and gaming (fewer NAT issues on IPv6). For everyday browsing it makes no visible difference.