Is Buying IPv4 Address a Good Option?

The internet has grown exponentially over the years, leading to a huge number of devices being connected to it every day. This increase in connected devices has definitely caused a great demand for IP addresses. Essentially, an IP address is a unique identifier assigned to each device that connects to the internet. The most widely used version of the Internet protocol is IPv4, which uses 32-bit addresses, leading to about 4.3 billion possible addresses. However, these addresses are dwindling and running out quickly. So, should you consider buying IPv4 address as a means to acquiring IP addresses?

The Pros of Buying IPv4 Addresses

One of the most significant advantages of buying IPv4 addresses is that it offers you the opportunity to acquire the range of addresses that you need. It saves you the time needed for your IP address requirements to be processed, adds predictability to your business plans, and offers you more control over the IP addresses that you acquire.

Another advantage of buying IPv4 addresses is that it’s cheaper than upgrading to IPv6. The cost of using IPv6 is considerably higher, and it requires changes to networks or internet service providers, which can be expensive to implement. On the contrary, IPv4 addresses are readily available, and their prices are often stable and reasonable.

The Cons of Buying IPv4 Addresses

Buying IPv4 addresses might not be an optimal solution for everyone. IPv4 addresses are finite, and they will eventually run out. This means that the prices of IPv4 addresses might steadily increase with time, which could make it more difficult to afford them in the long run.

Furthermore, cannot guarantee the reliability of IP addresses obtained through third-party sellers. Internet service providers ensure that every IP address they distribute is valid, but third-party sellers might not go through the same verifications, which could lead to acquiring invalid IP addresses. This could lead to problems down the line, potentially exposing the buyer to fraud.

Other Alternatives

Another option to consider is to use IPv6 addresses instead of IPv4. IPv6 offers a much broader range of IP addresses, making it less likely that the same set of addresses will be used by two different devices. Implementing IPv6 can be expensive, but it provides a long-time solution that offers sufficient IP addresses for growing businesses.

Lastly, IPv4 addresses can also be leased. Leasing IP addresses can be a more affordable solution to acquiring IPv4 addresses, making it an attractive option for businesses that have a limited budget.

Conclusion:

While buying IPv4 addresses could offer a solution to address shortage problems, it is imperative to weigh the pros and cons accurately. It is essential to have a good understanding of the future requirements of your business and decide if buying IPv4 addresses is in your best interest. Additionally, exploring other options such as leasing or using IPv6 addresses could prove more cost-effective and long-term sustainable alternatives. Finally, it should be noted that even if IPv4 addresses were to get exhausted, all is not lost, as there are other ways to acquire internet connectivity for your devices.