IPv4, the original internet address system designed in the 1980s, was never intended for today’s vast, interconnected world. With only a 32-bit address space, it did not handle the explosive growth of devices—from smartphones to IoT sensors.
Though IPv6 was long ago introduced as a solution, with an almost infinite number of addresses, its adoption has been slow due to compatibility issues and high implementation costs. As a result, IPv4 remains dominant, and the demand for IP addresses is steady.
This scarcity has driven up the cost of IPv4 addresses, creating a robust aftermarket where companies buy and sell address blocks. But with supply dwindling and prices increasing, web companies need more sustainable solutions to keep up with growth.