Public address space

Definition

Public address space refers to the range of IP addresses that are globally unique and can be routed on the internet. These addresses are assigned by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and are essential for devices to communicate over the internet. They allow hosts to send and receive data packets across various networks, making them a fundamental aspect of internet connectivity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Public address space is composed of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, with IPv4 being a 32-bit number while IPv6 is a 128-bit number, vastly increasing the number of available addresses.
2. Public IP addresses are assigned by regional internet registries (RIRs) based on geographic regions, ensuring that no two devices on the internet have the same public IP address.
3. The need for public address space has increased significantly due to the growing number of internet-connected devices, leading to the adoption of IPv6 to accommodate future growth.
4. Devices with public IP addresses can be accessed directly from anywhere on the internet, making them essential for servers, websites, and online services.
5. Public address space is distinct from private address space, which is used within local networks and requires Network Address Translation (NAT) to communicate with devices on the public internet.

Review Questions

• How does public address space facilitate communication between devices on different networks?
  • Public address space provides globally unique IP addresses that are necessary for devices to send and receive data across different networks. When a device uses a public IP address, it can be reached by any other device connected to the internet. This routing capability ensures that data packets can traverse various networks and reach their intended destination without confusion or overlap with other addresses.
• Discuss the role of IANA in managing public address space and its impact on global internet connectivity.
  • The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) is responsible for allocating and managing public address space worldwide. By overseeing the distribution of both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses through regional internet registries (RIRs), IANA ensures that each address is unique and properly assigned. This management is critical for maintaining global internet connectivity, as it prevents address conflicts and supports efficient routing across diverse networks.
• Evaluate the challenges posed by limited IPv4 public address space and how transitioning to IPv6 addresses those issues.
  • The limited availability of IPv4 public address space has created significant challenges as the number of internet-connected devices continues to rise. Many organizations have faced issues related to address exhaustion, which has led to complex workarounds like NAT. Transitioning to IPv6 alleviates these challenges by offering an exponentially larger pool of addresses, enabling seamless connectivity for new devices without running into the constraints seen with IPv4, thus fostering innovation and growth in internet usage.

Related terms

IP Address: A numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.

Subnetting: The process of dividing a larger IP address space into smaller, more manageable sub-networks, allowing for efficient IP address utilization.

Private Address Space: A range of IP addresses that are reserved for use within private networks and are not routable on the public internet.