Is it the end of the Internet?
by Mike, posted on July 23, 2010
It’s hard to believe, but the Internet as we know it is almost full. Under the current IP allocation system, 4 billion addresses are available, and given all the servers, PDA’s, and other devices out there, those addresses are almost completely allocated.
So that means it’s the end of the Internet, right? Wrong. Things are going to change a little, that’s all. Coming net is IPv6, which will allow for plenty more addresses, but the problem is integration. If the new IPv6 isn’t fully integrated, it is in theory possible that the Internet could simply cease to function.
However, work has been in progress for the last 10 years, and it is highly unlikely that there will be a compatibility issue will bring the Internet to its knees. So, yes, it’s true that the current numbering system is almost exhausted, but it is not necessary to worry about it; just like our phone system has evolved, so too will the Internet.
Submit Reply
