IPv4 vs. IPv6 routing for a remote exam

Your internet works, but the remote exam page still reports a network problem, or the proctoring service behaves differently when your VPN is on. One possible reason is that IPv4 and IPv6 traffic are taking different routes. That does not automatically mean either protocol is broken, but an uncovered route can expose a different public address or create a connection mismatch.

First check the exam provider's network instructions. If VPN use is allowed, the VPN Leak Test can check whether your public IPv4 or IPv6 address, or WebRTC traffic, appears to bypass the VPN. It cannot test the route to the exam provider itself, so use it as one diagnostic, not a pass or fail for exam readiness.

Check the connection before the exam

1. Read the exam provider's instructions about VPNs, proxies, and required networks. Do not turn on a VPN or change network settings if the provider prohibits it.
2. If VPN use is allowed and you need it, connect to the approved VPN first. Open the VPN Leak Test in the same browser you plan to use for the exam.
3. Run the check and note whether it reports IPv4, IPv6, or WebRTC information that appears outside the VPN. A result from one browser only describes what that browser exposes during this check.
4. On the same network and VPN setup, run Connection Stability for a few minutes. This looks for response-time changes, lost requests, and dropouts while it exchanges test requests with our server.
5. Repeat the checks after any change, such as reconnecting the VPN or switching from Wi-Fi to Ethernet. Keep the network setup you will actually use for the exam.

What the results mean

The test shows only the VPN's public address, or no separate IPv6 address

The browser did not reveal an obvious IPv6 or WebRTC route outside the VPN during this check. That is useful, but it does not prove that every app or every connection is covered, and it does not confirm that the exam service will accept the VPN. Follow the provider's requirements and test the exam platform's own system check if it offers one.

The test shows an IPv6 address outside the VPN

Your browser may be reaching the test over IPv6 without the VPN protecting that route. This can expose a public address associated with your regular internet connection, even while IPv4 uses the VPN. It does not necessarily cause an exam failure, but it can make your network appear to use more than one exit address. Ask the VPN provider or exam support how to handle it rather than disabling IPv6 at random.

The test shows a WebRTC address that differs from the VPN route

WebRTC is a browser feature used for real-time audio and video. The result can indicate that WebRTC is exposing network information on a different route. A private, local network address is not the same as your public internet address. If the test reports your public address outside the VPN, check the VPN's WebRTC protection and the exam provider's rules.

Connection Stability shows drops or large response-time swings

This points to interruptions or changing delay on the path to our test server. It does not identify IPv4 or IPv6 as the cause, and it cannot predict the exact route to the exam server. If the exam includes a system check, run that too. For a broader checklist, see connection planning for a remote exam.

Both checks look steady, but the exam service still fails

The issue may be specific to the exam platform, its server route, a browser permission, or a security rule. A general browser test cannot reproduce every exam service's network checks. Save the error text and time, then contact the provider before changing the computer's network configuration.

How to fix a routing problem

1. Use the network the exam provider recommends. Avoid switching between home Wi-Fi, a phone hotspot, and Ethernet during setup. A switch can change both the route and public IP address.
2. Follow the VPN rule for the exam. If VPNs are not allowed, disconnect yours before starting the provider's system check. If one is required or approved, use the specified service and location rather than testing random VPN servers.
3. Reconnect the approved VPN. Disconnect and reconnect it once, then rerun the leak check. On Windows 11, review the connection under Settings › Network & internet › VPN. On a Mac, open System Settings › VPN. Options vary by VPN provider.
4. Keep one active connection. If the computer is connected to Wi-Fi and Ethernet at the same time, disconnect the connection you will not use for the exam. Then check the route again. Do not make this change if your workplace or exam setup requires both connections.
5. Restart the browser and VPN app. Close the browser completely, reconnect the VPN if it is approved, then reopen the exam page or its system check. This can clear a stale network connection after a route change.
6. Ask support before changing IPv6 settings. Turning off IPv6 can disrupt other services and may not fix an exam connection. Contact the exam provider or VPN support with the test results and ask which route they expect you to use.

Why IPv4 and IPv6 can behave differently

IPv4 and IPv6 are two ways devices address and reach internet services. Many networks support both. A browser may use IPv6 when a site is reachable that way, or use IPv4 when IPv6 is unavailable. The two routes can pass through different network equipment, VPN rules, or internet providers, so a VPN that handles IPv4 correctly might not handle IPv6 the same way.

This difference is not automatically a performance problem. The exam service may work correctly over either protocol. What matters is following its rules, keeping the connection stable, and avoiding unexpected changes in your public address during identity or security checks.

Run any final checks on the same computer, browser, network, and approved VPN setup you will use for the exam.