The number of available unique addresses for Internet connection (Internet Protocol addresses) is fast running out under the current Internet address system. The predictions are that there will be no more IP numbers to give out by September 2011 if nothing changes. The Internet currently uses a system called IPv4, in which there are four billion unique addresses. The Internet has been looking to move to IPv6, in which there will be trillions of IP addresses. However, take up of the new system has been slow. This may be because of difficulties between translating an address from one system into the other, which can cause delays. The problem will have to be addressed very soon, though, as the addresses are running out. The current estimate of September 2011 is likely to be much earlier than that as the rate of take-up of new IP addresses is increasing all the time.
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