EU Report: Internet Running Out of IP Addresses

BRUSSELS, Belgium — The Internet may be running out of space.

At least that's what a new report from the European Commission says. The Commission, one of the European Union's main branches of government, released the report, which says that an alarmingly small number of tech companies are prepared to make the switch from the Internet's old naming protocol, IPv4, to its new one, IPv6.

For perspective, a 2008 study by Google indicated that less than 1 percent of Internet hosts worldwide were prepared for the move to IPv6.

But what's so great about IPv6? It has lots and lots of space. Tech-savvy Internet users will be familiar with the standard syntax for web IP addresses: xxx.xxx.x.x/xx.

That common 6-10 digit code provides the backbone for the Internet and the foundation for the more familiar text-based addresses that reside on top of them. IPv6 offers a geometrically larger choice of IP addresses and is commonly rendered in this syntax:

xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx

The increase in digits provides web developers with billions of new addresses to choose from — enough to account for every blade of grass on the planet, based on some estimates.

And the clock is ticking. Computer engineer Sam Pickles of F5 Networks said that the Internet should exhaust its supply of IPv4-based IP addresses

"New companies looking to establish a presence on the internet will have no option but to adopt the IPv6 address format," he said. "Many government and military organisations worldwide have adopted IPv6 for their internal systems already, and its adoption by companies, and eventually home users, is virtually certain."

Pickles added that moving to IPv6-compatible servers is relatively simple.

"Some additional spending will be required to migrate to the new addressing format, and ensure that systems using the old IPv4 format can interface with new IPv6 networks," he said. "Initial installation of new equipment will most likely affect systems at the edge of the corporate network, interfacing with the internet, such as routers and firewalls."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

AEBN Announces Peter Green as Top Male Boy/Girl Performer for Summer 2025

AEBN has revealed its top 10 male Boy/Girl performers for summer 2025, with Peter Green landing atop the leaderboard.

Spicey AI Relaunches Site, Debuts $Spicey Tokens

Interactive voice chat platform Spicey AI has relaunched its website and introduced $Spicey tokens.

FSC: Missouri Age Verification Rule Will Not Take Effect August 30

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced that Missouri's proposed age verification legislation will not take effect on August 30, as it had originally estimated.

Little Caprice, Marcello Bravo to Co-Host 2025 XMA Europa Awards

XBIZ is pleased to announce that husband-and-wife duo Little Caprice and Marcello Bravo will co-host adult’s biggest night in Europe: the 2025 XMA Europa Awards on Sept. 4, in the epic climax to XBIZ’s fall events series.

Germany Will Block Payments to AV-Noncompliant Adult Sites as of Dec. 1

Starting Dec. 1, Germany will implement new rules prohibiting financial institutions from providing payment services to adult sites deemed to have inadequate age verification systems and making it easier for the government to target websites mirroring the content of such sites.

Jerkmate Joins Pineapple Support as Partner-Level Sponsor

Jerkmate has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Launches Age Verification Toolkit for Adult Websites

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced today that it has launched a comprehensive toolkit to help adult websites navigate age verification laws.

Romero Mr. Alien to Present XBIZ Talk at Amsterdam Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that noted producer/director Romero Mr. Alien, the impresario of the XMAs award-winning studio Hentaied, will present an exclusive talk at next month’s Amsterdam conference.

New Fansly Analytics Platform 'SlyKiwi' Launches

SlyKiwi, a new analytics platform exclusively designed for Fansly content, has officially launched.

FPNCash Appoints Kimi Evans Head of Business Development

FPNCash has appointed Kimi Evans as its new head of business development.

Show More