Demystifying Minecraft Server IP Addresses: What Type Do They Use?

2 December, 2022

In the vast and immersive world of Minecraft, players connect and collaborate on various servers to build, explore, and play together. The foundation of this interconnected experience lies in the use of IP addresses, which serve as virtual coordinates to locate and connect to specific servers. But what type of IP addresses do Minecraft servers use? In this article, we unravel the mystery and shed light on the types of IP addresses employed in the Minecraft universe.

Understanding IP Addresses

Before we delve into the specifics, let's grasp the basics of IP addresses. An IP address, short for Internet Protocol address, is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network. It acts as a unique identifier, enabling devices to communicate with each other across the internet. In the context of Minecraft, IP addresses play a vital role in facilitating connections between players and servers.

IPv4 - The Classic Choice

For many years, Minecraft servers primarily used IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) addresses. IPv4 addresses consist of four sets of numbers, separated by periods, with each set ranging from 0 to 255. An example of an IPv4 address for a Minecraft server might look like this: "123.45.67.89."

While IPv4 has served the internet well for decades, the explosive growth of online services, including Minecraft, has resulted in the depletion of available IPv4 addresses. As a result, new technologies, such as Network Address Translation (NAT), were introduced to manage the shortage.

IPv6 - Embracing the Future

To address the limitations of IPv4 and accommodate the growing demands of the internet, IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) emerged as the next generation of IP addresses. IPv6 addresses are much more extensive, featuring eight sets of four hexadecimal digits, separated by colons. An example of an IPv6 address for a Minecraft server might look like this: "2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334."

Minecraft servers have been gradually adopting IPv6, and its wider address space allows for a virtually unlimited number of unique addresses. This paves the way for a more efficient and scalable internet experience, supporting the ever-expanding world of Minecraft and other online activities.

Compatibility and Transition

As the world transitions from IPv4 to IPv6, Minecraft servers now commonly support both address types. This approach ensures compatibility for players with devices using either IP version, ensuring a seamless gaming experience for everyone.

The world of Minecraft relies on IP addresses to bring players together in a unified virtual realm. Understanding the types of IP addresses used, namely IPv4 and IPv6, provides insight into the infrastructure that powers our beloved blocky adventures. With the adoption of IPv6 gaining momentum, Minecraft servers are prepared to embrace the future while accommodating the needs of the ever-growing community of players worldwide. As we continue to explore the vast landscapes of Minecraft, let's appreciate the underlying technologies that enable this immersive and interconnected gaming experience.