Recently CNN  issued a report indicating that the reservoir of IP addresses used to activate devices and navigate the internet is running low.  The internet has become incredibly popular since the concept of the IP address was introduced, and I wanted to take the time to answer some of the popular questions out there concerning this issue.

What is an IP address, and how does it concern me?

An IP address is simply a set of numbers that are created and  used to identify your computer or device on the internet and allow it to communicate on the internet with other computers and devices.  Such devices may include: cell phones, GPS systems, computers, home electronics such as DVD players, and much much more.  If you want to learn more about the origin of the IP address and how such an address is created, a future article will be posted on this blog so stay tuned!!!

Why is there a shortage of IP addresses and why is this a growing concern?

The internet when it was first developed and released worldwide, was only built to operate off a particular IP address naming  standard known as “IPv4.”  The IP address naming standard version 4 allowed approximately  4 billion predefined IP addresses to be available for use.  It is believed by many experts in my profession  are convinced that all remaining IP addresses will be utilized within a year.  Since the internet is constantly evolving, new devices are constantly being developed to allow for a more interactive and personal experience while surfing on the internet.

What will happen when we run out of internet addresses, will the internet crash?

Nobody really knows what will happen when the last of existing IP addresses are used up.  In my personal opinion based on my educational background in information technology,  the internet will not crash. The ability to create new devices and deploy them to the internet will simply not happen till this issue is resolved.  I believe that all devices currently in existence that are connected to the internet will work just fine.

Is there a solution to this issue in the works?

Yes, for more then a decade information technology experts who work for a company known as Internode have been working on the recreation of the “IPv4” naming convention standard to an updated model known as “IPv6.”  If you want to learn about the differences between the two standards, I will be proving a article for you with this information so stay tuned!!!!

My advice to everyone  is to just relax, everything will work out when it comes to this issue.  just enjoy what the internet provides for you.  The internet is constantly changing, and everyone has become dependent on it.  Everyone knows that this issue must be resolved.  Nobody can afford to have their businesses fail due to the internet going down for long periods.  Information Technology experts will not let this problem be around for long.  The internet serves as a backbone to our economy, and our economy cannot afford to fail despite tough times.  The economy will survive and the internet will too!

About the Author

Michael Augustine is a professional computer programmer, website designer, search engine optimization specialist(SEO), and Internet Marketing Strategist and educator. Visit Facebook to learn more about how to successfully market your business on the internet, as well as gain access to the tools he uses to acheive success. BECOME A FAN TODAY!