IPv4 Brokers Benefits: Transition from IPv4 to IPv6 Address

Most businesses are usually not particular about the IP address version their ISP is using. However, lately, businesses are paying attention to their IP address version, whether it is an IPv4 or an IPv6. In general, ISPs and big corporations had their own IP addresses or had taken on rent IPv4 address, and now looking to put their IP address for sale or lease. The exhaustion of IPv4 and the need to move to IPv6 has created a Secondary IPv4 Market. In this blog, we will talk about exhaustion and transition to IPv6 from a ground level, and the role of IPv4 broker in this process.

About IPv4:

IPv4 is the 4^th version of Internet Protocol where about 4.2 billion IP addresses were there. IPv4 addresses use a decimal number system. However, in the past 15 years, the internet has become extremely popular worldwide. Almost everyone now has a mobile phone, there are IoT (Internet of things) devices, Cloud platforms, and many more that use IP addresses. This has put a crunch on the number of IP addresses and to counter the exhaustion, other technologies implemented.

Solutions to slow down IPv4 exhaustion:

To slow down the IPv4 exhaustion, three solutions usually suggested:

1. CIDR:

   CIDR or Classless Inter-Domain Routing where IP addresses were the IP addresses were divided into 5 classes from A to E. Using this method helped the original classful IPv4 addresses into classless IP addresses delayed the exhaustion.

2. NAT 64:

   NAT or Network Address Translation enabled ISP’s and companies to use private addresses to connect their networks with computers by using just one public IP address. This method has tremendously slowed down IPv4 exhaustion to a great extent.

3. IPv6:

   IPv6 is version 6 of Internet Protocol. But, it is not a continuation of IPv4. It uses a hexadecimal number system, enabling it to have possible 340 trillion trillion trillion addresses. The IP address uses 128 bits, unlike IPv4 that uses 32 bits.

Introduction of IPv6:

IPv6 was introduced in 1998 and was made the Internet Standard in 2017. Its adoption has been very slow due to NAT 64 still being used widely. However, it is important to note that IPv6 is being adopted widely across the world. As of June 23^rd 2021, there are 33% of Google users who use IPv6. Industry experts like Alpha InfoLab Inc. have been advocating for everyone to make the transition to IPv6.

Introduction of Secondary IPv4 Market:

The IPv4 addresses are still being used everywhere. Many businesses use IPv4 addresses to provide services like hosting services, email marketing services, testing software and more. In order to have a healthy flow of IPv4 addresses, a secondary IPv4 market was introduced. This market has players like an official RIR broker, seller, buyer, and RIR.

Who are IPv4 brokers?

In the Secondary IPv4 market, IPv4 addresses block brokers play a vital role in facilitating the transfer of IPv4 addresses from a seller to buyer in accordance with the RIR. Businesses can even lease IPv4 address space or IPv4 addresses through an IPv4 address broker.

Why do you need IPv4 brokers?

The importance of IPv4 brokers is crucial in the structure and working of the Secondary IPv4 market.

• IPv4 brokers are the bridge between buyers-sellers-RIRs. They know how the system works and understand to follow guidelines laid down by the RIRs.
• Usually, they help in inter-RIR transfers, conduct thorough investigations of the sellers and buyers, documentation authentication, liaise with RIRs, and payment confirmations and more.
• They have a wide network of buyers and sellers and they know to strike the right market price for a pool of IPs.
  
  Alpha InfoLab Inc is a reputed IPv4 tunnel broker with a good rating from buyers and sellers. It conducts straightforward, transparent, and seamless transfer of IPs.

How to use IPv6 tunnel broker?

Many businesses that are selling IPv4s are very interested to make the shift to IPv6. However, IPv6 requires additional infrastructure and a reputed IPv4 broker like Alpha InfoLab will make sure that all equipment is in place, the network is setup properly, all devices and software are configured according to IPv6, and much more.

Transition from IPv4 to IPv6 address:

Your business or ISP will eventually make the transition from IPv4 to IPv6. The transition to IPv6 will help your business to reach audiences and clients who are already on IPv6 to connect with you securely without interruptions of technical failures.

Alpha InfoLab team has professionals who specialize in helping businesses make the transition from IPv4 to IPv6. Our specialists provide end-to-end technical support and assistance during and after the transition. For more information on transitioning to IPv6, connect.