IPv4

IPv4 is the fourth version of the Internet Protocol, providing unique addresses for devices on a network.

Why it matters

Enables device identification and communication over the internet.
Supports routing of data packets between devices.

How to measure

Count of IPv4 addresses used in a network.
Monitoring address exhaustion trends.

Details

IPv4 is a critical component of internet infrastructure, using a 32-bit address scheme allowing for over 4 billion unique addresses. It is essential for mobile engineers to understand IPv4 as it underpins network connectivity and data routing. Despite the emergence of IPv6, IPv4 remains widely used due to its established presence and compatibility. Engineers should be aware of address exhaustion and the need for efficient address management.

In mobile contexts, IPv4 addresses are often assigned dynamically via DHCP, which can impact app performance and connectivity. Understanding how IPv4 interacts with mobile networks can help optimize app behavior and user experience.

Examples & formulas

A typical IPv4 address looks like 192.168.1.1, where each segment represents 8 bits of the address.

Example: 192.168.0.1

Common mistakes

Assuming IPv4 will suffice indefinitely; plan for IPv6 transition.
Ignoring address exhaustion; use NAT or other strategies to manage.