IPv4 explained
What is IPv4 and why does it matter?
Dive into IPv4—the backbone of the internet’s addressing system. Learn what it is, why there’s a shortage, and how IP Market helps you lease IPv4 securely to keep your network running.
Understanding IPv4 in today’s internet
IPv4 has been the go-to protocol for internet addresses since the ‘80s, but it’s running out of steam. This page breaks down what IPv4 is, why it’s in short supply, and how IP Market steps in to help with leasing solutions—let’s get into it.
What is IPv4?
IPv4, or Internet Protocol version 4, is the system that assigns unique addresses to devices on the internet—like a phone number for your computer. It uses a 32-bit format, which looks like four numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1), giving about 4.3 billion possible addresses. Back in 1983, when IPv4 was rolled out, that seemed like plenty. It’s still the main protocol for most of the internet today, handling everything from your home Wi-Fi to massive data centers. But with the explosion of connected devices—think smartphones, IoT gadgets, and more—those 4.3 billion addresses aren’t enough anymore, which brings us to the big issue: the shortage.
Why There’s a Shortage
The IPv4 shortage kicked in because the internet grew way faster than anyone expected. By 2011, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) handed out the last /8 blocks (16 million addresses each) to Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). By 2019, most RIRs like ARIN and RIPE NCC ran out too. Why? First, the 4.3 billion address limit is hard-coded into IPv4’s 32-bit design—there’s no stretching it. Second, early allocations were wasteful; big chunks went to universities and companies that don’t use them fully. Add in the boom of internet users (over 5 billion by 2023) and devices (think 15 billion IoT gadgets), and you’ve got a perfect storm. IPv6 is the long-term fix, but adoption is slow, leaving IPv4 in high demand and short supply.
IPv4 Structure and Usage
IPv4 addresses are 32 bits long, split into four 8-bit sections called octets (e.g., 192.168.1.1), where each number ranges from 0 to 255. They’re often paired with a subnet mask (like 255.255.255.0 for a /24) to define network boundaries—check our IPv4 Cheat Sheet for more on that. IPv4 also uses classes (A, B, C) for historical allocation, though CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) is more common now. It’s used everywhere—your router, your ISP, even massive cloud providers like AWS. But with the shortage, getting new IPv4 addresses is tough, and prices on the secondary market have spiked (some /24 blocks go for $5,000+). That’s where leasing comes in as a practical solution.
How IP Market Helps
IP Market steps in to tackle the IPv4 shortage head-on with our leasing solutions. At ipmarket.io, we’ve built a marketplace where you can lease IPv4 prefixes—whether you need a /24 for a small setup or a /16 for something bigger. Leasing means you don’t have to buy at crazy prices; you can rent what you need for as long as you need it, with flexible terms. Our platform is secure, with encrypted transactions and verified sellers, so you’re not stuck worrying about shady deals. Plus, it’s a bridge to IPv6—lease IPv4 now while you transition, keeping your network alive without breaking the bank. We’re here to make IPv4 work for you, shortage or not.
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