What exactly is IPv4?
In the early 1980s, the concept of IPv4 address type was created. Even if a new version of IP addresses is available, IPv4 remains the most popular among internet users.
Internet Protocol version 4 is the foundational technology for connecting all devices to the Internet. A numerical IP address, such as 45.17.98.65, is assigned to a gadget when it establishes a connection. A data packet comprising both devices’ IP addresses must be transferred over the network to transfer data via the Internet from one device to another.
Syntax of an IPv4 Address
Each group of four integers in decimal format is separated by a dot in IPv4 addresses. As a result, the phrase “dotted decimal format” was coined. Because each set is made up of eight bits, it is called an ‘octet.’
An octet can contain any integer between 0 and 255. As a result, the IPv4 address range extends from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255. There are two elements to an IPv4 address: the network part and the host part. These components are identified using a subnet mask.
IPv4’s Characteristics
IPv4 has the essential specifications:
- Allows for creating a basic virtual communication layer that may be used across a variety of devices.
- Provides video libraries as well as conferences.
- It necessitates less memory and makes it easier to recall addresses.
- Connectionless Protocol
- Millions of gadgets now support the protocol.
Disadvantages
The fact that IPv4 has been there for nearly 40 years does provide a concern. The IPv4 address space is limited to 4.3 billion addresses, which is quite impressive. And in the early 1980s, this was considered far more than sufficient. However, here are its main cons:
- Inadequate internet routing
- IPv4 addresses are nearing the end of their usefulness.
- High system management costs, as well as complexity and slowness.
- They have no security features
- They’re also time-consuming
Is IPv4 still necessary?
Yes, we absolutely do! However, we can safely claim that we are still a long way from fully transitioning from Internet Protocol version 4 to version 6 (IPv6). It is a time-consuming and resource-intensive procedure. Nevertheless, network administrators will have to cope with both technologies in the near future, so don’t forget about IPv4 just yet!
Conclusion
The Internet Protocol version 4 was created with the goal of allocating about 4.3 billion IP addresses. It was regarded as a big address area in the early days of the Internet, and there was nothing to be concerned about. Internet Protocol version 4 is managed and monitored by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
The rapid expansion in internet users, as well as the widespread use of network devices and servers, may have had an impact on IPv4 address numbers. For simplicity of use and integration into human life, every digital gadget requires the IPS. As a result, computers, smartphones, automobiles, and other electronic devices have increased the demand for more IP addresses, which was not anticipated at the outset.
