IPv4, or Internet Protocol version 4, uses 12 digits for IP addresses, allowing for about 4.3 billion addresses, of which approximately 3.7 billion are usable. However, with the massive global demand for IP addresses, we're quickly running out of available IPv4 addresses. In fact, millions of these addresses can be consumed in just a month.

Due to this scarcity, newer Internet Service Providers (ISPs), including MyRepublic, have to be more selective in allocating IPv4 addresses. MyRepublic uses a private dynamic IP system, coupled with Network Address Translation (NAT) service. This approach allows multiple customers to share a single IPv4 address.

The next-generation standard, IPv6, features 39 digits and offers a virtually unlimited number of addresses. However, the full deployment of IPv6 faces challenges. For it to work seamlessly, all internet content and servers need to support IPv6, which is a transition that will likely take several years. This transition period is necessary to ensure complete compatibility and functionality across the internet.