IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the next-generation IP protocol, designed to overcome IPv4 limitations like address exhaustion. Each device can have a globally unique IPv6 address. You can check my IP or find my IPv6 address to see your current network identity and location.
IPv6 Address Structure
An IPv6 address has eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons. Leading zeros can be omitted, and consecutive zero blocks can be replaced with ::.
Example:
2604:1380:1234:abcd::1 (Equivalent to 2604:1380:1234:abcd:0000:0000:0000:0001)
Key Features of IPv6
- 128-bit addressing allows a vast number of unique IPs.
- Native support for IPsec security.
- Efficient routing and hierarchical addressing.
- No NAT required in most cases.
- Auto-configuration (SLAAC) for devices.
- Supports modern devices to have unique my IP address and location worldwide.
IPv4 vs IPv6 Comparison
- Bit Length: IPv4: 32-bit | IPv6: 128-bit
- Address Example: IPv4: 192.168.1.1 | IPv6: 2604:1380:1234:abcd::1
- Address Space: IPv4: ~4.3 billion | IPv6: practically unlimited
- NAT Required: IPv4: Often yes | IPv6: No
- Security: IPv4: Optional | IPv6: Built-in (IPSec)
- Deployment: IPv4: Widely used | IPv6: Growing adoption
- Compatibility: IPv4: Almost all devices | IPv6: IPv6-capable devices needed
Real World Usage & Examples
Modern ISPs, cloud providers, and websites use IPv6. Devices like laptops, smartphones, and IoT gadgets can have globally unique IPv6 addresses without NAT. Example addresses:
- Home Router: 2604:1380:1234:abcd::1
- Documentation Example: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
FAQs – IP Address & IPv6 Info
- What is my IP? Shows your current IPv4 or IPv6 address.
- What is my IPv6? Your 128-bit IP address like 2604:1380:1234:abcd::1.
- What is my network IP? The IP within your local network.
- How to convert IPv6 to IPv4? Tools are available for mapping IPv6 to IPv4.
- Why check my IP location? Helps with geolocation, security, and network troubleshooting.
- What is my IPv4? Your device’s 32-bit IPv4 address, like 192.168.1.1.