If you have been using the internet for a while, it is likely that you have come across the terms IPv4 and IPv6 at some point. They refer to Internet Protocol version 4 and version 6. IP addresses are what allows computers and other devices to access the internet and they are used to identify the senders and receivers of online communications. They are the element that allows websites to keep track of your physical location. The selection of the Internet Protocol has gained importance over the last few years, particularly when it comes to unblocking streaming websites or for instance, getting access to the US version of Netflix. This is why you need to keep this in mind when deciding if you should look for a VPN that supports IPv4 or IPv6.
IPv4
This is the protocol that is being used currently and it has been used for decades, which means that it is a reliable solution. Every IP address in IPv4 is 32 bits long, so it is easier to remember. IPv4 systems don’t use as much memory than IPv6 and they require less programming, because they transmit 4 bytes, rather than 8 bytes, which could be a large overload of information. At the time IPv4 was originally developed, the future advances in technology and the fact that millions of devices would be connecting to the internet, were not envisioned, which is why, the protocol is running out of numbers as the limitation in the digits means that all possible addresses are being assigned and soon there won’t be more left.
IPv6
Since IPv4 is running out of number as the amount of internet users is increasing all over the world, an alternative had to be created and this is how IPv6 was born. An IPv6 IP address has 128 bits, meaning that the amount of IP addresses that can be assigned is considerably higher. This means that IPv6 has larger capacity and it is safer than IPv4, as it provides an authentication option, making the packets sent over the internet more secure. However, it has a disadvantage and that is that sometimes it is vulnerable to DNS leaks. This is why many VPN providers have opted for IPv4 instead. Plus, IPv6 is not supported by all networks yet.
How to access Netflix
Although Netflix is available pretty much everywhere since the streaming service’s global expansion took place back in 2016, the best catalog of movies and TV shows is still available in the United States. Subscribers in other countries usually have limited options, compared to what those in the US enjoy. This is why many people look for ways to get around the blocks to access the US version of Netflix. Since Netflix offers the content based on licensing agreements, it has to ensure that people can only watch the movies and TV shows that are licensed for their location. To prevent users from accessing content outside their geographical locations, Netflix has implemented blocks that don’t allow people to bypass the region-based restrictions. Currently, only a few VPNs are able to get around these blocks since Netflix’s system is very effective when it comes to detecting the attempts to get around the restrictions.
What are the best VPNs to choose from
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs available thanks to the high security that it uses to protect your connection and help you to ensure that your information remains private. The strong encryption that ExpressVPN applies to your connection and its logless policy, makes it one of the best VPN solutions out there. ExpressVPN is one of the few providers that is still able to get around the restrictions that Netflix has implemented. ExpressVPN uses powerful unblocking technology to defeat the restrictions and it has thousands of servers located in more than 90 countries.
NordVPN
NordVPN is another VPN that lets you bypass the restrictions that stop you from accessing Netflix US from anywhere. It has over 5000 servers in 60 countries, at the moment and its zero logs policy means that you can enjoy your browsing and streaming experience without putting your privacy at further risk. NordVPN uses high encryption as well to ensure that your connection is protected. In addition, it offers advanced security through double VPN and Tor over VPN. Streamers are better off not using these features since they can affect speed, but NordVPN has ultra-fast servers that enable you to access content from Netflix US, without issues.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is another fast provider that lets you overcome the restrictions, while protecting your information. There are over 3000 servers available across more than 30 countries, and of course the United States is one of them. PIA is very popular thanks to its affordable plans, but this provider’s high quality make it impossible to call it just a budget VPN. While you can get a year of service for a convenient amount, the fact that advanced features are included. The services comes with SOCKS proxy, kill switch and more. Besides, PIA doesn’t keep logs of your activities.
IPVanish
IPVanish is a popular VPN provider that can also help you to defeat the blocks that Netflix has placed in its system to prevent people from accessing a library of content that is located outside their region. IPVanish is a reliable solution that doesn’t only help you to overcome restrictions. It also secures your information with high encryption and since it doesn’t keep any logs at all, you can have peace of mind knowing that your privacy won’t be compromised. IPVanish has fast servers in 60 countries, including of course many options in the United States.
Surfshark
Surfshark has a very important advantage over its competitors and that is the fact that it allows you to connect as many devices as you want, simultaneously. This means that you can run the VPN on your mobile, on your laptop, your tablet, gaming consoles and more. It is a great value for money solution, and the fact that it has been independently audited to confirm its commitment to privacy, make it a reliable choice. Surfshark has servers in more than 50 countries and it doesn’t keep logs that could compromise your privacy.
