An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique identifier assigned to every device connected to a network. It enables devices to locate and communicate with each other on the internet or local network.

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4)

• Format: 32-bit address, typically written as four decimal numbers (octets), separated by periods.
  • Example: 192.168.1.1
• Address Range: Can accommodate approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses.
• Notation: Dotted decimal format (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
• Limitation: The increasing number of devices connected to the internet has led to IPv4 address exhaustion, meaning we are running out of available IPv4 addresses.

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)

• Format: 128-bit address, written as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits, separated by colons.
  • Example: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
• Address Range: Can accommodate approximately 340 undecillion unique addresses (a number so large that it is practically infinite).
• Notation: Hexadecimal format, separated by colons.
• Advantages:
  • More address space (essentially limitless).
  • Built-in security features.
  • Improved routing and performance.
• Adoption: IPv6 adoption has been slow due to the widespread use of IPv4, but it is necessary for the growing number of connected devices (e.g., IoT).