Practical guide

IPv6: Understanding 128-bit addresses

IPv6 offers a huge address space and simplifies the routing of millions of devices.

Format

An IPv6 is composed of hexadecimal groups separated by colons. Groups of zeros can be abbreviated only once with ::, which is why two different writings can represent the same address.

Why IPv6 Exists

IPv6 addresses the lack of IPv4 addresses. With 128 bits, the available space becomes large enough to allocate generous blocks to operators, businesses and individuals, without relying as heavily on address sharing.

Dual stack

Many networks offer IPv4 and IPv6 at the same time. Your browser chooses the protocol available for each destination. See MyIP displays only the address that is actually used for the current request.

Privacy

Modern systems often use IPv6 temporary addresses. This prevents a stable device ID from being exposed for a long time. An IPv6 does not automatically reveal your identity, but it remains a connection data.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I sometimes see IPv4, sometimes IPv6?

It depends on the network, the browser, and the server being contacted. The two protocols can coexist.

Is IPv6 more geographically accurate?

Not necessarily. Geolocation remains a network estimate.

Reference sources

To be explored next

See my IP

Published and verified by the VoirMonIP.com team on July 15, 2026.