2. IP addressing

One of the strengths of the Internet is its ability to adapt to current network needs. The network was originally designed for the U.S. military to connect a very small number of machines. Later, academics took over, mainly for their research activities. In 1992, the network was opened up to commercial activities, and the number of connected devices literally exploded, thanks in part to the ease of use of applications such as the web.

Since its inception, the IP protocol has undergone very few changes, and the address format has remained unchanged; only the allocation rules have been modified to keep pace with the evolution of the network, and in particular to respond to the current shortage of addresses.