Fundamentals
IPv4 vs IPv6
The internet has used IPv4 for decades, but IPv6 is now essential for long-term growth.
IPv4 overview
IPv4 addresses are 32-bit numbers usually written in dotted decimal notation:
203.0.113.45
Because only about 4.3 billion addresses exist, IPv4 space is heavily reused through NAT (Network Address Translation).
IPv6 overview
IPv6 addresses are 128-bit values written in hexadecimal:
2001:db8:85a3::8a2e:370:7334
IPv6 provides a vastly larger address space and simplifies end-to-end connectivity in many network designs.
Key differences
| Feature | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
| Address length | 32 bits | 128 bits |
| Typical notation | Dotted decimal | Hexadecimal groups |
| NAT reliance | Common | Less common |
| Header complexity | Smaller | Streamlined in many cases |
Which one will IPLocator detect?
IPLocator supports both IPv4 and IPv6 public addresses. Your ISP or hosting provider determines which protocol you use by default.
If your connection supports IPv6, you may have both a public IPv4 and IPv6 address visible to different services.