IPv4 is a protocol that provides IP addresses to every device connected to the internet. Here is how IPv4 works:
1. IP addressing: Each device connected to the internet is assigned a unique IP address by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). The IP address is a 32-bit number that consists of four sets of numbers separated by dots. Each set of numbers represents a byte, and each byte can have a value from 0 to 255. For example, 192.168.1.1 is an example of an IPv4 address.
1. Packet formation: When a device sends data, it is divided into small chunks, called packets. Each packet has a header that contains the source and destination IP addresses, protocol, and other information. The packet’s payload contains the actual data.
1. Routing: When a packet is sent, routers on the internet read the packet’s header and decide where to forward the packet based on the destination IP address. Each router has a routing table that contains information about the network topology and the best path to reach a destination.
1. Transmission: The packets are transmitted between different devices on the internet through physical cables or wireless signals. Routers on the internet read the packets’ headers and forward them to the next hop.
1. Reassembly: When the packets arrive at the destination device, they are reassembled into the original data by using information in the header.
1. Protocol support: IPv4 supports various protocols, such as TCP, UDP, and ICMP. TCP is used for reliable data transmission, UDP is used for fast transfers, and ICMP is used for diagnostic and error reporting.
In summary, IPv4 provides a way for devices to communicate with each other and establishes a unique address for each device. It divides data into packets, routes them through the internet, and reassembles them at the destination device.
