IPv4 and IPv6 are the two internet protocol versions in existence. As you can tell from the naming, IPv4 is the older version launched in 1983, while IPv6 was launched in 2012. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, contributing to its particular use cases.
These internet protocols have the primary function of facilitating data transfer between devices on the internet. To achieve it, the protocols use IP addresses – a unique identity for each device accessing the internet. So, the device you’re using to read this page has a unique IP address, and the same goes for this website.
However, as a user or a server owner, there are times when you need to access the internet without revealing your IP address. Hence, the need for proxies – IPv4 and IPv6 proxies. In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about these two proxy types.
What is a proxy?
A proxy is a software or device that works as an intermediary between two devices accessing a network. In its role, a proxy receives a connection request from an IP address (the user), uses a replacement IP address to forward the request, gets a response, and returns the response to the request’s sender.
Proxy users get the information they need from any website or server without revealing the users’ information. Hence, when you access a website with a proxy, the website sees the replacement IP address provided by the proxy provider instead of yours.
What are IPv4 Proxies?
IPv4 proxies are software or devices that work as an intermediary between computers on networks powered by IPv4. IPv4 proxies use real locations and devices that use IPv4 addresses. The IP addresses provided by IPv4 proxies are either that of data centers or residential devices.
These IP proxies are the most common ones you would find since IPv4 is still the most widely used. Being the first protocol on which the internet was made publicly available, almost every data communication network uses IPv4. The IPv4 addresses are 32-bit, with the numerical values separated by dots into a group of four numbers. For instance, 12.233.232.157 is an IPv4 address.
What is an IPv6 Proxy?
An IPv6 proxy is software or a device working as an intermediary between computers on networks powered by IPv4 and IPv6. IPv6 proxies are compatible with IPv4 devices because they can translate the address to the IPv6 format. Hence, these proxies aren’t limited to any specific version of the internet, like IPv4.
IPv6 uses a 128-bit address comprising alphanumeric values separated by colons. A sample IPv6 address is 2001:0db8:0000:0000:0000:ff00:0042:7879. The idea behind using this address format for the new version was to solve the imminent exhaustion of the ~4.3 billion addresses provided by IPv4. Using alphanumeric values in IPv6 provides unlimited IP addresses.
Differences between IPv4 and IPv6 Proxies
IPv6 is a noticeable upgrade to IPv4, a reality reflected in their proxies. Beyond the differences in address format, some other differences exist.
Compatibility
IPv4 proxies only work with IPv4 devices, while IPv6 proxies function properly with IPv4 and IPv6 devices. An IPv6 proxy can translate IPv4 traffic to IPv6. Theoretically, the versatility of IPv6 (and its proxy) makes it the best choice for individuals and enterprises. However, that’s not the case. But, the versatility still gives an edge to IPv6 proxy users.
Security
IPv6 has an in-built feature called IPSec (Internet Protocol Security), which it uses to protect its users. IPv4, on the other hand, wasn’t built with security in mind, as it was in the internet’s early days. Hence, IPv4 proxy users have to be responsible for their security.
Performance
IPv6 proxies are more efficient and faster than IPv4 proxies. The advanced design of IPv6 and its packet size allow for multiple operations without compromising performance. IPv6 provides enhanced security, cutting-edge encryption, optimized routing, global reach, and unlimited destination access.
Cost
IPv6 proxies are high-quality services that come at cheaper costs because IPv6 was built on new innovative technology than
IPv4.
Support
IPv4 proxies enjoy better support because it’s been around for a while, and several utilities have been designed to improve the services.
Pros and Cons of IPv6 Proxies
Pros:
Cons:
Pros and Cons of IPv4 Proxies
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion
Whichever of these proxies you choose to use depends on your needs. As of now, most residential proxy providers don’t give IPv6 addresses. However, you can find lots of datacenter IPv6 providers. If you would like to learn more, view site. But, while IPv6 proxies are readily available and offer better performance, IPv4 proxies remain among the best options and still offer pretty good performance.
