Each device connected to the Internet has a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address. Depending on your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and device, you may be connected to one of two types of IP addresses: IPv4 or IPv6. Shadow PC is compatible with both.
What is the difference between an IPV4 and IPv6 address?
IPv6 was created to increase the number of IP addresses available worldwide, ensuring everyone will have a unique address when connecting to the internet.
- IPv4 provides around 4 billion unique IP addresses. This was sufficient in the early days of the internet, but is now running out due to the growing number of connected devices.
- IPv6 solves this issue by offering a much larger pool of addresses while improving network efficiency and security.
For a high-level explanation of IPv6 addresses, see the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guide Internet Protocol Version 6: IPv6 for Consumers.
Should I use IPv6 instead of IPv4?
You can use either protocol with Shadow PC. Applications and games should function the same regardless of which protocol your ISP provides.
IPv6 offers the following advantages:
- More Available Addresses – No need for techniques like Network Address Translation (NAT), which can cause connectivity issues.
- More Efficient Data Routing – IPv6 networks can reduce congestion and improve performance in some cases.
- Built-in Security Features – IPv6 includes IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) for stronger encryption and authentication.
- Better Support for Certain Applications – Some online services, multiplayer games, and peer-to-peer connections work better with IPv6.
If you feel you may benefit from these advantages, contact your ISP to learn about your options.