The rise and downfall of IPv4

In the 1980s, the release of Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) provided a substantial amount of addresses that were thought to be more than sufficient for the foreseeable future. However, as time went by, the number of internet users and the global population both grew significantly, leading to a depletion of IPv4 addresses at a much faster rate than anticipated. This growth in internet usage and population resulted in a higher demand for devices that require an IPv4 address, including the Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart fridges, lights, and cars.

Nowadays, with the official depletion of IPv4 addresses declared by RIPE NCC, a transfer market has emerged for those looking to lease, buy, or sell IPv4 as well as IPv6. While much has changed, in many ways, things remain the same. The evolution of the internet and the rise of IoT devices have contributed to the depletion of IPv4 addresses much faster than anticipated in the 80s. Although it’s worth noting that no one could have predicted these changes at the time.

The depletion of IPv4 addresses has led to the development and implementation of IPv6, which provides a vast number of addresses to meet the growing demand. However, the transition from IPv4 to IPv6 has been slow due to compatibility issues and the need for infrastructure upgrades.

The rise of the internet and the demand for IPv4 addresses have also brought about a new industry of IP brokers and specialized services for managing IP addresses. This market has grown exponentially as businesses and organizations seek to acquire additional IP addresses to support their online presence and operations.

In conclusion, the growth of the internet and the demand for devices that require an IPv4 address, including the rise of IoT devices, has led to the depletion of IPv4 addresses at a much faster rate than anticipated in the 80s. This has resulted in the development of IPv6 and the emergence of a new market for IP brokers and specialized services. As technology continues to evolve and the demand for internet connectivity grows, it will be essential to continue to monitor and address the ongoing demand for IP addresses.