This year’s roundup of IP addresses reveals the slow progress of IPv6 adoption despite the increasing number of connected devices. The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 has been sluggish, with controversial debates surrounding the effectiveness of NATs in accommodating the growing number of devices. The exhaustion of IPv4 addresses is ongoing, with attempts to release reserved address space for future use facing challenges. The data shows a decrease in the average size of IPv4 allocations, reflecting exhaustion policies. Address transfers between holders have increased, signaling a shift towards secondary redistribution. The future of the Internet’s address allocation and fragmentation remains uncertain amidst commercial pressures and technological constraints.
https://www.potaroo.net/ispcol/2025-01/addr2024.html