In the use of the Internet, a process develops in which a series of elements intervene that allow data to travel through the network. For this we need to know what it is, what it is for and how the IPv4 protocol? for its importance in telecommunications.
In this complex process, a system of interconnection in in which various network protocols participate in order for communication to take place. This is the case with the IPv4 protocol.
What is the IPv4 protocol, what is it for and how does it work?
The Internet and networks generally need an address provided by protocols. In the world of telecommunications, two are known: IPv4 e IPv6. On this occasion you will learn about the characteristics of the IPv4 protocol and its relevance for establishing connections, so if you want to know what IPv6 is and how it works, visit the previous link
First of all it is appropriate to mention the meaning of IP address and IP protocol to understand its relationship with IPv4. Next, we introduce these terms that are useful in the world of networks.
![<a name=]()
What is the IPv4 protocol, what is it for and how does it work?" src="/images/posts/521a0482a9075ba9e0f7d2ecd7164067-0.jpg">
What is the IP address?
THE IP address is a numerical identifier that allows you to establish a hierarchy in the network in a logical way. In this way, an IP address is assigned to all devices that connect to the network in order to facilitate intercommunication and allow packets to be sent to their destination.
The IP address can be fixed o dynamic. If the IP address is fixed, it means that the host will always keep the same address. Instead, if the dynamic IP will be set according to DHCP (the dynamic host protocol setting).
The above is just a summary of this complex protocol, so if you want to know more about what TCP / IP is and what it is for, remember that you can visit our guide designed for it.
What is the IP protocol?
Each IP address corresponds to an identifier which is part of the IP protocol. The IP protocol is a system of addressing which we know as IPv4 and IPv6, which are the currently active versions.
Both IPv4 and IPv6 are not direct to the connection, that is, they transmit i data packets without knowing if there is availability at the other end, so the data arrives when the receiver is connected.
It is important to note that the transfer of data packets occurs through a process called «routing» which is to find the fastest route to your destination. Routing is the effective way in which physical networks operate according to the OSI model.
OSI is a reference model that classifies network components into tiers or tiers. At layer two (data link), for example, switches work. The IPv4 and IPv6 protocols work at layer 3 (network) where routing takes place. At layer four (transport) the TCP protocol operates.
![<a name=]()
What is the IPv4 protocol, what is it for and how does it work?" src="/images/posts/521a0482a9075ba9e0f7d2ecd7164067-1.jpg">
What is the IPv4 protocol?
Now that we know the most relevant terms around IP, the time has come for IPv4. IPv4 is the IP addressing system ; These are automatically assigned when a domain is registered.
What is the IPv4 protocol used for?
The protocol IPv4 provides IP addresses for domains. In this way, the Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for giving them a name on the network, although it is also possible to encrypt DNS traffic to avoid being tracked.
How does the IPv4 protocol work?
The IPv4 protocol establish IP addresses a 4 octets a 32 bit separated by periods and formats up to 12 characters. These addresses can range from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255. The protocol is named after the Version 4, which does not refer to its evolution but to the 4-bit protocol header (0100).
The IPv4 protocol uses IP addresses to be viewed throughout the network. These are external addresses that are unrepeatable and extremely important for the processing and identification of data packets.
If you still have doubts about all these network protocols, it is convenient that you learn more about what the World Wide Web is and how it works, to understand more about how this tool of the digital age works.
