IPv4

Networking systems like the Internet require specific protocols to operate for their users. One of these is related to the identification of devices used to send information between them, such as IPv4. This acronym stands for Internet Protocol version 4. It is the first widely adopted version, implemented in 1983. As a result, many systems that emerged over time adapted to the functionality of this protocol, as is the case with managed and unmanaged VPS servers, which provide users with a VPS IPv4 IP.

This protocol was created based on the estimated network growth at the time. Moreover, its relevance lies in being the primary protocol used at the network level in the TCP/IP model for the Internet, which is why it is applicable to VPS systems, as they have a special VPS IP for their users. 

What is IPv4?

IPv4 is a data-dedicated protocol used for communication between networks. Since it is an initial protocol that does not consider many of the current Internet users’ needs, some of the detected drawbacks of IPv4 include the lack of reliability in its datagram service, the absence of guarantees for data delivery or correction, and the presence of duplicate or out-of-order packets. 

IPv4 establishes a 32-bit address protocol, which generates a maximum possibility of 4,294,967,296 unique addresses. Due to this limited number of possibilities, the wastage of some addresses, and the exponential growth of Internet use, IPv4 addresses began to run out. This depletion process led to the official exhaustion of IPv4 addresses on January 31, 2011. 

While IPv4 uses general 32-bit addresses, it also reserves blocks of different addresses for private networks (16,777,216) and for multicast addresses (268,435,456). 

The 32-bit IP addresses are 32-digit binary numbers that identify devices. These 32 bits are divided into four sections of 8 bits each. Each section is then converted into a decimal version, separated by dots. This results in IP addresses like 192.168.0.1.

These 32-bit IP addresses consist of a network identifier section and a host identifier section. The proportion of these is determined by the class to which the address belongs.

IPv4 Address Classes

• Class A

Feature: Supports large Internet networks

Composition: The first 8 bits represent the network, and the remaining bits represent the host

Identification: First octet with a value between 0 and 127

• Class B

Feature: Designed for medium-sized Internet networks

Composition: The first 16 bits represent the network, and the remaining bits represent the host

Identification: First octet with a value between 128 and 191

• Class C

Feature: Supports small Internet networks

Composition: The first 24 bits represent the network, and the remaining bits represent the host

Identification: First octet with a value between 192 and 223

• Class D

Feature: Supports multicast networks (where a single sender transfers data simultaneously to a group of receiving nodes)

Identification: First octet with a value between 224 and 239

• Class E

Feature: Dedicated to experimental networks

Identification: First octet with a value between 240 and 255

It is important to note that this class-based organization only applies to addresses using IPv4, as the subsequent protocol does not use this classification. However, it’s worth mentioning that IPv4 VPS IPs are still present in both home systems and managed and unmanaged VPS servers. Regarding VPS, it is important to highlight that since it operates under IPv4, VPS servers only offer the option of a single VPS IP, in contrast to the possibility of having multiple IPs provided by the subsequent protocol.

Causes of IPv4 Address Exhaustion

• Mobile Devices

The growth of mobile device access and associated technological advancements that allowed Internet access from these devices created an additional demand that IPv4 could not remotely meet, as it was designed for more traditional devices.

• Always-On Connections

Since Internet connections in the 90s depended on telephone lines, this reduced the pressure on IP addresses. This was because dial-up connections were normally disconnected. As a result, permanent IP addresses were not required. However, in 2007, broadband access reached 50% of the market. This system, by allowing permanent connections, requires a continuous IP.

• Demographic Growth on the Internet

As Internet use became widespread, especially with broadband, the number of users and devices grew exponentially. 

• Inefficient Use of Addresses

As mentioned, IPv4 allocated addresses for special purposes. Similarly, some organizations obtained more IP addresses than they really needed. For example, large companies and universities received blocks of 16 million Class A IPv4 addresses. 

Due to these challenges and constant technological advancements, the IPv4 system was unsustainable and led to address depletion. For this reason, a new protocol was created to meet today’s growing demands—IPv6. 

In that regard, a migration to IPv6 occurred, a system better suited to the technology we handle today. However, it is important to note that migration requires equipment changes to ensure compatibility with the new protocol. Additionally, one must verify that the Internet provider has enabled it. In contrast, it is worth noting that many virtualization services have already adapted to offer them for the new protocol. This is the case with VPS, which, in both its managed and unmanaged versions, operates for both protocols, providing a VPS IP compatible with their clients' needs. These compatibility systems, such as VPS, facilitate the migration process. 

Focusing on the reality of the Latin American region, IPv4 addresses were exhausted in August 2020, according to LACNIC (the company in charge of managing IPs in the region). However, migration has not yet been completed. Only Mexico and Brazil are leading the change.