Most internet users don’t realize that every online service relies on something called an IP address — a digital identifier that makes it possible to connect to websites, applications, and cloud platforms. It’s especially important to understand how IP addresses work in a server environment, such as when renting a VPS, configuring hosting, or launching your own web project.In this article, we’ll clearly explain what IPv4 and IPv6 are, why they matter, and how they differ.

What is an IP Address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is like the home address of a device on the internet. It tells other computers where to send data — such as a web page, a video, or a file.Without IP addresses, your phone, laptop, or server wouldn’t know how to request or receive information.

What is IPv4?

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is the first and still most widely used version of the protocol. Introduced in the 1980s, it uses a 32-bit address format.

Example of an IPv4 address:

192.168.0.1

It consists of four numbers (ranging from 0 to 255), separated by dots.

The Problem:

There are only around 4.3 billion unique IPv4 addresses available. With the rapid growth of devices (phones, computers, IoT), that’s no longer enough.

What is IPv6?

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is a newer and more advanced version, developed in response to IPv4 exhaustion. It uses 128-bit addresses, which allows for an almost unlimited number of unique addresses.

Example of an IPv6 address:

2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

IPv6 addresses look more complex, using both numbers and letters, and are separated by colons instead of dots.

Key Advantages of IPv6:

  • An almost unlimited number of unique addresses
  • Better performance in modern networks
  • Built-in security features such as IPsec
  • Simplified network configuration and routing for administrators

Main Differences Between IPv4 and IPv6

FeatureIPv4IPv6
Address Length32-bit128-bit
Address FormatDecimal (192.0.2.1)Hexadecimal (2001:db8::1)
Total Addresses~4.3 billion~3.4×10³⁸ (practically unlimited)
NAT RequiredYesNo
IP Security SupportOptionalBuilt-in
AdoptionWidely usedIncreasing, but not yet universal

Does This Affect Me?

If you’re a regular user: probably not. Most modern devices and websites support both IPv4 and IPv6. Your hosting provider or ISP handles the rest behind the scenes.

If you’re a developer, site owner, or business: yes, especially if:

  • You manage your own servers or infrastructure
  • You want long-term compatibility with modern networks
  • You operate in regions where IPv6 is becoming the standard (e.g., Germany, China, India)

Why IPv6 Matters for Hosting

From a technical perspective, IPv6 is the future of the internet. While IPv4 is still in wide use, the pool of available addresses is rapidly shrinking. For hosting providers and system administrators, this makes support for both protocols — IPv4 and IPv6 (dual-stack) — essential.

Why It Matters:

  • Scalability: IPv6 enables almost unlimited address allocation, crucial for hosting multiple VPS instances or containers.
  • Compatibility: An increasing number of ISPs and users rely on IPv6. Without support, part of your audience might not reach your site.
  • Security: IPv6 includes native IPsec support, making it easier to implement secure communications.
  • Future Readiness: Enabling IPv6 now ensures that your infrastructure remains modern and sustainable over the long term.

What to Check When Choosing Hosting:

  • Native IPv6 address availability for VPS or dedicated servers
  • Proper DNS setup with both A (IPv4) and AAAA (IPv6) records
  • Traffic monitoring tools for both protocols

Even if you’re not actively using IPv6 yet, having support for it ensures your system is future-proof and accessible worldwide.

How Can I Check My IP Version?

You can check your current IP version by visiting:

Or using these terminal commands:

ping google.com       # for IPv4
ping6 google.com      # for IPv6

Summary

  • IPv4 is the original but limited IP addressing system still in use today.
  • IPv6 is the advanced, secure, and scalable successor designed for the future.
  • Both protocols can be used simultaneously (dual-stack configuration).
  • IPv6 is especially important in hosting and server environments to ensure long-term stability, security, and growth.