We are running out of IPv4 addresses, with over 4 billion possible combinations not enough to keep up with growing demand. IPv6 is a solution, but it takes work and costs money to switch. Companies that prepare will have a smoother transition, while those who wait will face higher costs.
The simple answer is yes, we are running out of IP addresses, or at least the commonly recognized type. The current formula for web addresses, known as IPv4, builds formulas or addresses using various combinations of four integers. Clearly, there isn’t an unlimited number of figurations, so it’s no surprise that we’re running out of IP addresses. With over 4 billion possible combinations, it’s still not enough to keep up with growing demand.
Many experts agree that we are running out of IP addresses, but no one is sure how long we have before it becomes a serious problem. Some have said it could happen as early as 2010. Is there anything that can be done to stop us from running out of IP addresses? Indeed there is. There’s no need to panic like people did when year 2 loomed, but action is needed.
The obvious option to avoid running out of IP addresses is to switch to a different formula. The good news is that a similar one already exists, known as IPv6. Using a combination of six integers allows you to create trillions of new numbers, which will help us not run out of IP addresses.
Industry players need to be aware that we’re running out of IP addresses, so why isn’t everyone jumping on the IPv6 bandwagon? It takes a fair amount of work to switch to it and it costs money. It will take several years to adapt to IPv6. Since most consumers are happy with their current service, they don’t ask for changes. Since they aren’t making any requests yet, most companies are in no rush to make changes. However, if they started the transition when concerns about running out of IP addresses first became known, or even if they started now, they may be ready when the shortage becomes more severe.
However, there are some companies that have already implemented IPv6 or are preparing to do so. Those who are prepared will make the transition smoother, before running out of IP addresses becomes too serious. Those who wait will likely be inundated with additional costs as they try to hastily implement the new system. As with many other types of services, consumers can expect these higher costs to be passed right on to them. The most likely way to pass costs is to raise prices for Internet service.
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