IPv4 Protocol: What is it and how does this version of the protocol work in computing?

In the case of IP it means internet protocolwhich is mainly used to perform the delivery of datagrams between hosts on a network. This is basically what allows data can be sent from a computer to another computer over the Internet. This protocol is usually characterized by working at high speed.

Therefore, when we refer to IPv4, we are simply referring to what is the fourth version of the Internet Protocol, which has been adapted and is used on a large scale for data communication between different types of networks. Currently this internet protocol has become one of the most important.

In accordance with all this, here we are going to explain a little more about what the IPv4 Y how it currently works in computer networks. Considering that this is based on packet-switched layer networkslike Ethernet.

What is IPv4 and what is this protocol used for in computing?

Currently IPv4 is the addressing protocol most used in most devices, and this is because internet providers have not yet decided to completely move on to what is the new IPv6 protocol. that way IPv4 has become a fundamental tool of the Internet, since it allows identify the different computers that are connected to a network.

They also have 32 bit, what it allows to offer over 4.3 billion unique addressesalthough the vast majority are already reserved to perform some specific tasks, such as private IP (LAN) ranges that are not Internet routable.

Usually a IPv4 address is represented in a decimal format that is separated by points, all 32 bits are separated in octets of 8 bits each. Therefore, these addresses are mostly written with 4 decimal numbers ranging from 0 to 255. An example of this would be: 172.128.1.2

If a device does not have this address, it cannot be identified on the network. will not allow you to transfer or receive information with other devices on a public or private network. There is usually a minimum address that can be 0.0.0.0.0 or a maxim like 255,255,255,255,255.

What are the advantages and limitations of this version of the IP protocol?

The IP protocol or network connections, it is a protocol that has a lot of rules that everyone must abide by software or companies so that all its products are compatible with each other. Each of the parts of this protocol has the function send emails, transfer data or files, route messages, transfer data using data blocks or packetsamong many others.

Next, We are going to present you the main advantages of this tool, as well as its limitations:

Advantage

• Lower operating costs to internet providers.
• presents a great reliability to users.
• It’s compatible with standard tools to analyze the operation of the different types of networks.
• It has a lot of assigned IPs.
• Used for both large and medium networks.

Disadvantages

• Can be slow on networks have a medium low traffic volume.
• As usual are more complicated to set up and maintain.

IPv4 vs IPv6. How are they different and which is better?

All this has created a large number of doubts among users, where most are unaware of the differences between the two. protocols and which of them is the best. ThereforeIPv4 and IPv6 are related to the standards of the IP addresses, they aim to define an IP address.

The number that differentiates one from the other simply refers to the version number, being one of them version 4 and the other version 6. Until nowversion 4 It is still the most used today because the most providers they have not gone to the new version of the protocol.

Today there are some differences between these two versions despite the fact that both are IP addresses and which we show you below:

• IPv4 being an older version no longer have any new IP addresses to assign, while IPv6 being the new version offers new IP addresses for your devices.
• version 4 have IP addresses which are with numerical values ​​of 32 bit that are written in the decimal systemWhile for version 6 have 128 bit that are written in the hexadecimal system.
• Total, of space in version 4:294,967,928 addresses.
• Total, of space in version 6: 340.282.366.920.938.463.463.374.607.431.768.211.456.

Can the version of the IP protocol that I use affect my Internet browsing speed?

In order to ensure what is the exchange of information in a network where there are millions of connected computers It is necessary that each of these computers be identified. To do this, each of these devices have a IP number or IP addresstaking into account that any package that circulates either of website, emailsamong others contain the IP address of the computer destiny.

In general, these addresses are made up of a series of numbers corresponding to a country, a specific domain and the computer itself. And it is that when a computer connects to the network is assigned in the form dynamic a temporary IP address.

The correspondence between IP and the domain name that is stored in the computers is usually constantly updated, and these are called DNS or name servers domain. The they are nothing more than the ones in charge of translating the domain names so that they are easy to remember in the IP address of the server where are they housed the webpages that we constantly seek.

Please note that browsing speed is directly influenced by the DNStherefore the most recommended is to choose the most suitable DNS for this. Therefore, the IP version you are using is not directly related to the speed of your internetthis being a factor that will depend more on the DNS you are using.

IPv4 test How can I know my IPv4 address quickly and easily?

Although users do not directly interact with your internet Protocol, most users daily wonder what is your IP?, either because a specific site asks for them or for any other reason. Bearing this in mind, here we are going to explain how you can know your IPv4 address on your computer quickly and easily.

Know the IP in Windows

If you computer is Windows you have different ways to get your private IP address, To do this you must perform the following steps:

• The first thing will be to enter the system and right click on the icon of “networks” and there you select the option “Open the Network and Sharing Center.”
• Then click on the link “Change adapter settings” which you will find on the side of the window.
• Now select the network card you are using and right-click on it, there select the section “Condition”.
• Next, a box will appear showing the status of the chosen connection. There select the option “Detail” and look for the “IPv4 address” on the right side a series of numbers will appear which will be your IP adress.

Another alternative that we can find in The Windows operating system to know our IP is as follows:

• In this case it is necessary to use the key combination Windows + Rand there you write the command “cmd.exe”.
• It will then start the windows terminal.
• There you must write the command “ipconfig”.
• There you will see a list with all your network connection details. In this list you must locate the network card that you are using and there you can find the IP address that is assigned to your team.

Know the IP address on Mac

If you are using a apple computer and you want to meet the private IP address of your computer you will have to perform the following steps:

• The first thing will be to access “System Preferences”.
• Then select the option “Net”.
• There the dialog window will open. “Net”.
• Now on the side of the window select the connection that you are using.
• In the apparatus of “Condition” you will be told connection detailsas well as the IP address that your Mac is using.

Know the IP address in Linux

Just like it happens in Windows and Mac operating systems, there are different ways to discover this address. However, here we are going to explain the easiest and fastest to perform.

To do this, follow the steps that we will explain below:

• To find the address from your computer Ubuntu right click on the icon “Network connection” located on the top panel.
• There will appear several options where we will select “Connection information”.
• In the box that appears on the screen, you will find the section of IPv4there you will find the corresponding digits of it.