IPv4 has been the backbone of the global internet for more than four decades. Even though IPv6 was introduced as a long-term replacement, IPv4 continues to dominate the world’s networks, data centers, cloud platforms, VPN providers, and enterprise infrastructures. Understanding why IPv4 still runs the internet requires looking at usage patterns, scarcity, market behavior, and technical realities.
IPv4 Remains the Standard for Most Networks
Even in 2025, IPv4 remains the primary addressing system for public websites, SaaS systems, hosting companies, and ISPs. The core reasons include:
- Universal compatibility with devices, software, and routers
- Stable routing across all major carriers
- Lower operational costs compared to full IPv6 deployment
- Easier configuration and troubleshooting
- Decades of optimization and familiarity
While IPv6 adoption grows steadily, IPv4 remains the global default. Most businesses prefer to maintain an IPv4 presence to ensure full accessibility and reliability.
IPv4 Scarcity Keeps Demand Extremely High
The exhaustion of IPv4 is the main reason for its increasing value. Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) ARIN, RIPE, APNIC, LACNIC, and AfriNIC have all run out of large free IPv4 pools. This created:
- A secondary market where companies trade or lease IPv4
- Competitive pricing driven by limited supply
- Rising valuations for clean IPv4 ranges
- Increased need for brokers to facilitate safe transfers
Scarcity has turned IPv4 into a digital asset, similar to premium domain names.
Global Services Still Require IPv4 Connectivity
Even if an organization is fully IPv6-enabled, it must still support IPv4 to communicate with:
- Legacy systems
- VPN applications
- Hosting platforms
- Consumer ISPs without IPv6
- IoT devices lacking IPv6 capability
- Older hardware and firewalls
Because nearly half the world still relies on IPv4-only connectivity, businesses cannot abandon it without losing accessibility or customers.
Market Demand Keeps IPv4 Prices Stable and Rising
IPv4 pricing has become more predictable as the market matures. The factors influencing demand include:
- Growth in cloud infrastructure
- Expansion of data centers
- High demand for VPN and cybersecurity services
- More SaaS startups need public IPv4
- Increased IP reputation requirements
- The global boom in online platforms
The market shows no signs of collapse; instead, IPv4 continues to be a high-value resource for long-term network planning.
How IPv4Hub.net Helps Businesses Secure Reliable IPv4
IPv4Hub.net plays a major role in supporting businesses that need safe, compliant IPv4 transactions. They provide:
- Verified, clean IPv4 ranges ready for transfer or leasing
- RIR-compliant ownership checks to prevent fraud
- End-to-end transfer management across ARIN, RIPE, APNIC, and LACNIC
- Secure escrow-based transactions for full buyer protection
- Consulting for companies unsure whether to buy, sell, or lease
Their transparent process ensures businesses get high-quality IPv4 resources with minimal risk and maximum control, ideal for hosting, SaaS, data centers, and network expansion.
IPv6 Isn’t Replacing IPv4 Anytime Soon
Although IPv6 provides an enormous address pool, several roadblocks slow its adoption:
- Expensive network upgrades
- Slow ISP deployment
- Older software that doesn’t support IPv6
- Lack of IPv6 support in many consumer devices
- Businesses’ reluctance to migrate when IPv4 still works
The result is a long transition period in which IPv4 and IPv6 co-exist, but IPv4 continues to dominate.
IPv4 remains essential because the Internet still depends on it. Scarcity has increased its value, and global demand shows no signs of weakening. With stable pricing, strong utility, and full compatibility, IPv4 will continue powering the world’s digital infrastructure for years to come. Acquire or lease high-quality IPv4 ranges safely through trusted IPv4Hub.net services.
Businesses seeking long-term stability still need IPv4, and partners like IPv4Hub.net make acquiring or leasing high-quality IP ranges safer and easier than ever.