What is IPv4?
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is the most common system that gives every device on the internet a unique numeric address, like a phone number, so they can find and talk to each other. It uses a 32-bit number written as four groups of numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.0.1).
Let's break it down
- Internet Protocol: a set of rules that tell computers how to send data to each other.
- Version 4: the fourth major version of these rules; the one most people still use today.
- 32-bit number: a string of 32 binary digits, which can be shown as four decimal numbers (0-255) separated by periods.
- Unique address: each device gets its own number so data knows where to go, just like a mailing address.
Why does it matter?
Without IPv4 (or a similar system), computers wouldn’t know where to send emails, web pages, or video calls. It’s the backbone that makes everyday internet activities possible and reliable.
Where is it used?
- Home Wi-Fi routers assigning local addresses to phones, laptops, and smart TVs.
- Websites and online services using IPv4 addresses to be reachable by browsers.
- Corporate networks that connect office computers, printers, and servers.
- Mobile networks that give smartphones an IPv4 address for internet access.
Good things about it
- Simple and well-understood; almost every device and software supports it.
- Works with existing infrastructure, so no major upgrades are needed.
- Efficient for most everyday tasks; low processing overhead.
- Wide compatibility across different operating systems and hardware.
- Large pool of publicly documented tools for troubleshooting and management.
Not-so-good things
- Limited address space (about 4.3 billion addresses) leading to shortages as more devices connect.
- Lack of built-in security features; relies on additional protocols for protection.
- Inefficient routing in some cases compared to newer protocols like IPv6.
- Complex workarounds (NAT, CIDR) are needed to stretch the limited address pool.