IPv4, short for Internet Protocol version 4, is the fourth iteration of the Internet Protocol (IP). It is the primary protocol used to identify and route data packets across the internet. IPv4 addresses consist of 32 bits, typically displayed in dotted-decimal notation (e.g., 192.0.2.1), allowing for approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses. However, due to the exponential growth of internet-connected devices, IPv4 addresses are now scarce, leading to the adoption of IPv6. Understanding IPv4 basics is crucial for network administrators, as it forms the foundation of internet communication and plays a key role in routing, addressing, and network management. Discover which protocol, IPv4 or IPv6, is faster and more reliable!