IPv4 addresses are primarily formatted in dotted decimal notation.
IPv4 addresses, which are 32-bit integers, are generally represented in a human-readable format known as "dotted quad" or "dotted decimal". This format is a sequence of four decimal numbers, each ranging from 0 to 255, separated by periods (dots).
According to the reference material, each section, commonly denoted as "x" in the format x.x.x.x, can hold a numerical value between 0 and 255.
Here is a table summarizing the formats and components of IPv4:
| Format | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dotted Decimal | Four decimal numbers (0-255) separated by dots. | 192.0.2.146 |
| Hexadecimal | The 32-bit integer can be expressed in hex. | A valid IP address, though not normally written this way. |
The dotted decimal format is preferred because it is easier for humans to read and remember compared to the 32-bit integer form. Although hexadecimal notation is a valid representation, it's less common for everyday use.
Practical Insights:
- The format x.x.x.x where x = (0-255) is how we typically encounter IPv4 addresses.
- This address is used to identify devices on a network.
