Why might one IPv6 device use several different addresses?¶

Several IPv6 addresses on one device are normal and do not automatically indicate multiple users or concealment.

Why it happens¶

A device may have:

• a link-local address for the local network;
• a stable address for the network connection;
• temporary privacy addresses for outgoing traffic;
• separate addresses for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, mobile or VPN interfaces; and
• addresses from different prefixes as it moves between networks.

Temporary addresses can change while an older address remains active for existing connections. A provider can also change the delegated prefix.

How to compare records¶

A full IPv6 address, precise timestamp, interface and network allocation context are important. Two different addresses may belong to one device; one address may be shared or reassigned. Use provider and local-network records where the distinction matters.