If you have ever studied how the internet works, you have probably come across the term IPv4. But what exactly does it mean and why is it so important to our digital world? In this blog, we will explain what IPv4 is, why it still plays a crucial role and how it functions in our daily internet usage.
What is an IPv4 address?
IPv4 stands for ‘Internet Protocol version 4’. It is a system that has been used since the 1980s to identify devices on the internet. Every device around the world that connects to the internet is assigned a unique IPv4 address. Think of your computer, smartphone or even your smart TV. This address consists of four numbers, each between 0 and 255, separated by dots, such as 192.168.0.1.
Compare it to a home address. Just as a packet is sent to your address, data on the internet is sent to the right device thanks to its IP address. But what if these addresses were not there? Then no communication would be possible between devices on the internet.
Why is IPv4 still so important?
IPv4 is the backbone of the modern internet. The protocol is over 40 years old, but it still forms the basis of almost all networks worldwide. And since every device connected to the internet depends on an IPv4 address to communicate, the system remains so important. Although new technologies and protocols have been developed, the majority of infrastructure remains based on this system.
However, there is also a reasonable problem with IPv4. For instance, the number of available IPv4 addresses is limited. Indeed, when the system was developed, it was not anticipated that the internet would grow so enormously. Today, most of the 4.3 billion possible IPv4 addresses are already in use, which has led to a scarcity.
What happens when IPv4 addresses run out?
Since there are more and more devices connecting to the internet, the demand for IPv4 addresses is higher than ever. As you have probably heard yourself, there is a scarcity. As a result, companies and organisations are actively looking for ways to get more IPv4 addresses. This makes IPv4 addresses a valuable resource these days.
For example, if you have unused IPv4 addresses, you might consider selling them. There is a growing market where companies are much willing to pay for extra addresses to expand their network. Consider selling IPv4, if you have unused addresses within your organisation. That way, you can take advantage of the scarcity of available IPv4 addresses.
Why sell IPv4?
The scarcity of IPv4 addresses sometimes makes it difficult for organisations to expand. Therefore, it is important for companies to obtain additional addresses. So if you or your organisation has unused IPv4 addresses, you can take advantage of this in a smart way. Selling IPv4 addresses is a way not only to help others, but also to replenish your wallet a little.
