What is an IPv4 Address?
An IPv4 address is a unique identifier that points to each device on the internet and allows them to communicate. It’s written as four numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1), each ranging from 0 to 255.
Why IPv4 Matters
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) has been the backbone of the internet since the 1980s. With approximately 4.3 billion possible addresses, IPv4 has reached depletion—there are no more new blocks being allocated by Regional Internet Registries (RIRs).
IPv4 Scarcity
- Depletion — RIPE NCC announced IPv4 depletion in 2011
- Secondary market — Organizations now buy, sell, and lease IPv4 on marketplaces like InterLIR Global
- Prices — Reflect supply and demand; harder to find sellers than buyers
IPv4 vs IPv6
- IPv4 — 32-bit addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
- IPv6 — 128-bit addresses; much larger address space
- Reality — IPv6 adoption is growing but IPv4 remains essential for most services. Many organizations need both.
Getting IPv4
If you need IPv4 addresses:
- Rent — From €99 per /24 per month
- Buy — From €28 per IP
- Lease out — Monetize unused blocks