IPv4/IPv6 addresses are the numeric identifiers that let devices find each other and exchange data across networks. If you’re asking what is IPv4/IPv6 Addresses, they’re how routers decide where each packet should go—like street numbers for the internet. IPv4 uses 32 bits and dotted-decimal notation; IPv6 uses 128 bits and hexadecimal to support vastly more devices.
We often see teams manage both protocols during migrations or dual-stack operations. Getting addressing right improves routing, security, and troubleshooting—and prevents painful renumbering later.
Key concepts:
- Format & length: IPv4 (e.g., 203.0.113.10); IPv6 (e.g., 2001:db8::1).
- CIDR & subnetting: Prefix lengths (e.g., /24, /64) define network boundaries.
- Public vs. private: Private IPv4 ranges (RFC1918) and IPv6 unique local (ULA) for internal use.
- Traffic scope: Unicast, multicast, and anycast (IPv6) for efficient delivery.
- Transition & coexistence: Dual-stack, NAT/NAT64, and tunneling help bridge IPv4–IPv6.
Our take? Thoughtful address planning is foundational—do it early, document it well, and future-proof with IPv6.
Designing a clean, scalable address plan or moving to dual-stack? Explore our IPv4/IPv6 Addresses Guide for subnet strategies, IPv6 rollout patterns, and practical tips to avoid conflicts as your network grows.
