The internet has run out of new IPv4 addresses. Understanding this exhaustion is crucial for anyone managing network infrastructure or considering IP leasing.
Exhaustion Timeline
What is IPv4 Exhaustion?
IPv4 exhaustion refers to the depletion of unallocated IPv4 addresses. The 4.3 billion addresses available under IPv4 have been fully distributed to Regional Internet Registries (RIRs).
This doesn't mean all IPv4 addresses are in active use—many are held by organizations or available through the secondary market—but no new addresses can be obtained directly from registries.
Why Did We Run Out?
Several factors accelerated IPv4 exhaustion beyond original projections.
Smartphone Revolution
Billions of mobile devices each requiring IP connectivity
IoT Growth
Smart devices, sensors, and connected equipment proliferation
Cloud Computing
Massive data centers requiring thousands of public IPs
Global Internet Access
Billions of new users coming online worldwide
Solutions to Exhaustion
The industry has developed several approaches to cope with IPv4 scarcity.
- IPv6 Adoption: The long-term solution with virtually unlimited addresses
- NAT (Network Address Translation): Allows multiple devices to share a single public IP
- IP Leasing: Rent addresses from organizations with surplus
- IP Transfers: Purchase addresses through the secondary market
The IPv4 Market Today
IPv4 addresses have become a valuable commodity. Prices have risen from essentially free (when obtained from registries) to significant market values for purchases and monthly fees for leasing.
IP leasing has emerged as the preferred solution for many businesses, offering flexibility without the large capital expenditure of purchasing.