IPv4 is the fourth iteration of the Internet Protocol, a widely used protocol for data exchange across various types of networks.
What does IPv4 mean?
IPv4 stands for Internet Protocol version 4. The fourth version of the Internet protocol (IP) is still popular for Internet communication. It defines the rules and constraints for transmission via the Internet or local network. Because IP establishes the format and communications, uses IPv4 addresses, and routes data, we can have interconnected network routing with packet forwarding.
What is my IPv4 address used for?
Now that we know “v4” stands for version 4 let’s break down the IP part. An IP address is a string of digits assigned to each Internet-connected device or any device connected to a network. The address identifies these devices and allows them to communicate with one another, whether on an internal or external computer network.
What is the difference between IPv6 and IPv4?
IPv6, or Internet Protocol version 6, was launched in the late 1990s to replace IPv4. It employs 128-bit addresses divided into eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons. IPv6 is the solution to the comparatively limited number of IP addresses available with IPv4. The total number of potential addresses will no longer be limited under IPv6.
