Do you ever wonder why wasn't there an IPv5? (Actually...there was.)

IPv5: The Lost Protocol of Internet Communication

In the ever-changing realm of internet communication, protocols play a pivotal role in facilitating seamless data exchange among devices and networks. While certain steadfast protocols like BGPv4 form the backbone of the modern internet, others have faded into the digital bit bucket of history, never quite reaching their full potential. One such protocol is IPv5, also known as the Internet Stream Protocol (ST), an ambitious endeavor with lofty goals. Despite its promise, IPv5's trajectory veered off course, leading it to be overshadowed by its successor, IPv6.

The topic of IPv5 came up in a recent conversation with a co-worker, and, at the time, I found myself lacking answers. Intrigued, I embarked on a research journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic protocol. To my surprise, I discovered not only the existence of IPv5 but also the lack of widespread awareness about it. In this article, we will delve into the historical background of IPv5, explore its untapped potential, and shed light on the intriguing reasons behind its elusive journey as a potential next-generation internet protocol.

IPv5's Ambitious Beginnings:

The roots of IPv5 can be traced back to 1979, (Yes 1979!) when it was conceptualized as an experimental protocol aimed at addressing certain limitations of its predecessor, IPv4. IPv4 had served as the dominant internet protocol for years, but it lacked specific features necessary for real-time streaming of multimedia data, particularly video and audio streaming.

IPv5 was designed to fill this gap by supporting real-time multimedia streaming, making it an enticing prospect for enhancing internet communication capabilities. However, despite its promising intentions, IPv5 encountered numerous obstacles that impeded its widespread usage.

1. Confusion with IPv4:

One of the primary challenges faced by IPv5 was its similarity to its predecessor, IPv4, leading to confusion and interoperability issues. The root of this problem lay in the assignment of version numbers, as both IPv4 and IPv5 packets were marked with version number 5. This overlap caused existing IPv4 implementations to struggle in distinguishing between the two protocols, resulting in compatibility problems that discouraged the adoption of IPv5.

Moreover, the use of the same addressing system as IPv4 further added to the confusion. IPv5 addresses were composed of four sets of numbers ranging from 0 to 255, just like IPv4 addresses. However, this also meant that IPv5 had the same limitation as IPv4, offering only 4.3 billion possible addresses. This limitation proved to be a significant drawback for IPv5, acting as a major deterrent for its widespread adoption. Ultimately, this similarity in addressing became the biggest obstacle for IPv5's success, contributing significantly to its lack of popularity in the networking world.

1. Emergence of IPv6:

Coinciding with the development of IPv5, another internet protocol, IPv6, was also in the works. IPv6 addressed the shortcomings of IPv4, most notably its limited address space. IPv5 utilized the same 32-bit addressing system as IPv4, which ultimately posed a significant challenge. This addressing format initially allowed for a substantial 4.3 billion unique internet addresses. "We'll never run out of that many addresses"....but then the refrigerator, toaster, and every other device you can think of needed an IP. Otherwise described as, the explosive expansion of the Internet and Internet of Things (IoT) rapidly depleted this pool of available addresses. With the internet rapidly expanding, IPv4's address space was proving inadequate to accommodate the growing number of connected devices. IPv6 offered a vastly larger address space, which could accommodate an astronomical number of devices, ensuring the internet's continued growth. IPv6 uses 128-bit (2 to the 128th power) addresses, allowing 3.4 x 1038 unique IP addresses. This is equal to 340 trillion trillion trillion IP addresses

The introduction of IPv6 with a comprehensive set of features and improvements diverted attention away from IPv5. The internet community saw the potential of IPv6 to revolutionize internet communication and subsequently shifted focus towards it as the next-generation protocol.

1. Industry Adoption Challenges:

IPv4 had already established a strong foothold and formed the backbone of the internet. Transitioning to a new protocol like IPv5 or IPv6 required a substantial collaborative effort from various stakeholders, including internet service providers, networking equipment manufacturers, and software developers. The adoption of a new protocol entailed considerable costs and complexities, making it a challenging endeavor.

Given that IPv6 addressed IPv4's limitations while ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure, it gained more traction over IPv5. As a result, the industry predominantly rallied behind IPv6 as the successor to IPv4.

The Triumph of IPv6:

In the end, the combination of confusion with IPv4, the emergence of IPv6 with its advanced features, and the challenges of industry adoption led to the eclipse of IPv5. IPv6 gradually gained acceptance and became the standard protocol for internet communication.

IPv6's extensive address space allows for the continued expansion of the internet and accommodates the ever-growing number of connected devices. Additionally, it offers improved security features and better support for mobile devices and emerging technologies, ensuring a more secure and efficient internet ecosystem.

As technology continues to evolve, protocols like IPv6 play a critical role in shaping the future of internet communication. While IPv5 may not have achieved its intended prominence, its story serves as a valuable reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in introducing new protocols in the ever-changing landscape of the digital realm.

Thanks for reading my article and big thanks to Alex Wentz for the curiosity and asking the question that has made me a more informed individual.

In today's digital age, businesses require agile, efficient, and scalable networks to stay competitive. To achieve this, Next Generation Networks (NGNs) must integrate centralized control and automation, along with essential elements such as QoS, convergence, IPv6, NFV, and SDN. VXLAN offers scalability, security, and flexibility for virtualized workloads and multi-tenant environments. Automation enables businesses to match the pace of their operations, while centralized control ensures a single point of control and visibility for the entire network. NGNs incorporating these technologies are critical for supporting the growing demand for data, devices, and applications.

One way businesses and agencies can navigate the complex world of technology is by working with a trusted value-added reseller (VAR). VARs buy products from manufacturers and add additional value in the form of customized services, technical support, or expertise in a particular industry or market before reselling them to the end customer. A trusted VAR can provide advice, guidance, and support throughout the entire buying process, helping customers make informed decisions and get the most out of their technology investment. With their knowledge and experience, VARs can be an invaluable asset for individuals or businesses looking to purchase technology products or services. By working with a trusted VAR, customers can have peace of mind knowing they are getting high-quality products and services tailored to their specific needs.