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.
