What is IPv4?

IP stands for Internet Protocol version v4 stands for Version Four (IPv4), is the most widely used system for identifying devices on a network. It uses a set of four numbers, separated by periods (like 192.168.0.1), to give each device a unique address. This address helps data find its way from one device to another over the internet.

IPv4 was the primary version brought into action for production within the ARPANET in 1983. IP version four addresses are 32-bit integers which will be expressed in decimal notation. Example- 192.0.2.126 could be an IPv4 address.

What is an IP Address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique identifier assigned to each device connected to a network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It serves two main purposes:

• Identification: It uniquely identifies a device on a network.
• Location Addressing: It indicates where a device is located within a network, making data routing possible.

Understanding IPv4 Addressing

An IPv4 address consists of series of four eight-bit binary numbers which are separated by decimal point. Although any numbering system can be used to represent a unique 32- bit number, most commonly you see IP address expressed in dot decimal notation. Some of the examples are :

IPv4 Address Format

An IPv4 address consists of 32 bit (binary digit), grouped into four section of known as octets or bytes. Each octet has 8 bits and this bits can be represented only in 0 or 1 form, and when they grouped together, they form a binary number. Since each octet has 8 bits, it can represent 256 numbers ranging from o to 255. These four octets are represented as decimal numbers, separated by periods known as dotted decimal notation. For example IPv4 address 185.107.80.231 consists of four octets.

Binary Representation

IPv4 is basically converted into binary form by computer although these are usually seen in decimal form for human readability. Each octet is converted into 8 bit binary number . For instance 185.107.80.231 in binary looks like:

• 185: 10111001
• 107: 01101011
• 80: 01010000
• 231: 11100111

So 185.107.80.231 in binary is: 10111001.01101011.01010000.11100111

IPv4 Address Format

Parts of IPv4

IPv4 addresses consist of three parts:

• Network Part: The network part indicates the distinctive variety that’s appointed to the network. The network part conjointly identifies the category of the network that’s assigned.
• Host Part: The host part uniquely identifies the machine on your network. This part of the IPv4 address is assigned to every host. 
  For each host on the network, the network part is the same, however, the host half must vary.
• Subnet Number: This is the non obligatory part of IPv4. Local networks that have massive numbers of hosts are divided into subnets and subnet numbers are appointed to that.

Types of IPv4 Addressing

IPv4 basically supports three different types of addressing modes:

• Unicast Addressing Mode: This addressing mode is used to specify single sender and single receiver. Example: Accessing a website.
• Broadcast Addressing Mode: This addressing mode is used to send messages to all devices in a network. Example: sending a message in local network to all the devices.
• Multicast Addressing Mode: This addressing mode is typically used within a local network or across networks and sends messages to a group of devices. Example: Streaming audio to multiple devices at once.

Characteristics of IPv4

• IPv4 could be a 32-bit IP Address.
• IPv4 could be a numeric address, and its bits are separated by a dot.
• The number of header fields is twelve and the length of the header field is twenty.
• It has Unicast, broadcast, and multicast-style addresses.
• IPv4 supports VLSM (Virtual Length Subnet Mask).
• IPv4 uses the Post Address Resolution Protocol to map to the MAC address.
• RIP may be a routing protocol supported by the routed daemon.
• Networks ought to be designed either manually or with DHCP.
• Packet fragmentation permits from routers and causes host.

Advantages of IPv4

• IPv4 security permits encryption to keep up privacy and security.
• IPV4 network allocation is significant and presently has quite 85000 practical routers.
• It becomes easy to attach multiple devices across an outsized network while not NAT.
• This is a model of communication so provides quality service also as economical knowledge transfer.
• IPV4 addresses are redefined and permit flawless encoding.
• IPv4 has high System Management prices and it’s labor-intensive, complex, slow & prone to errors.
• Routing is scalable and economical as a result of addressing its collective more effectively.
• Data communication across the network becomes a lot of specific in multicast organizations.

Limitations of IPv4

• IP relies on network layer addresses to identify end-points on the network, and each network has a unique IP address.
• The world’s supply of unique IP addresses is dwindling, and they might eventually run out theoretically.
• If there are multiple hosts, we need the IP addresses of the next class.
• Complex host and routing configuration, non-hierarchical addressing, difficult to re-numbering addresses, large routing tables, non-trivial implementations in providing security, QoS (Quality of Service), mobility, and multi-homing, multicasting, etc. are the big limitations of IPv4 so that’s why IPv6 came into the picture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IPv4 is a widely used system for identifying devices on a network with unique addresses made up of four numbers. It plays a crucial role in enabling devices to communicate over the internet by directing data to the correct destinations. Despite its limitations, IPv4 has been fundamental to the growth and operation of the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions on IPv4

How do I find my IPv4 Address?

You can find your IPv4 address by checking your device’s network settings or using online tools that display your IP address.

How do IPv4 and IPv6 work together?

Many systems use both IPv4 and IPv6 through a process called “dual stack,” which allows devices to use either protocol to communicate.

What is replacing IPv4?

IPv6 is the newer version designed to replace IPv4. It provides a much larger pool of addresses to accommodate the increasing number of devices.

What are the limitations of IPv4?

IPv4 has a limited number of addresses, which are running out due to the growing number of internet-connected devices.

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