In computer network, what is the size of IP address in IPv4?
2023
In computer network, what is the size of IP address in IPv4?
- A.
8 bits
- B.
32 bits
- C.
16 bits
- D.
More than one of the above
- E.
None of the above
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Correct answer: B
Concept: IPv4 defines a fixed-length addressing scheme: every IPv4 address is a 32-bit binary number, conventionally written as four 8-bit fields (octets) in dotted-decimal notation (e.g., 192.168.1.1). This fixed length is set by the IPv4 standard and caps the total address space at 232 unique addresses.
Application: Counting the bits that make up one IPv4 address:
An IPv4 address is written as 4 octets separated by dots.
Each octet is 8 bits wide.
Total address length = 4 octets × 8 bits per octet = 32 bits.
Cross-check: This matches the CIDR prefix ceiling of /32 (the longest possible IPv4 subnet mask, using all address bits as network bits) and contrasts with IPv6's 128-bit addresses — confirming that 32 bits is specific to IPv4.
Hence, the size of an IP address in IPv4 is 32 bits.