In the realm of internet technology, there is perhaps no concept more fundamental, yet widely misunderstood, than Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4). It forms the very foundation of how devices connect and communicate over the internet, yet its core principles are often seen as complex and elusive. Let’s demystify IPv4 and its integral role in our digital world.
What is IPv4?
IPv4, short for Internet Protocol Version 4, is the fourth version of IP, a set of rules that govern the way data is sent and received over the internet. It is the most widely used version, serving as the principal communications protocol in the Internet protocol suite.