IPv4 address exhaustion limits scalability

8/10 High

IPv4 address space is exhausted even with NAT/CGNAT, requiring 40+ bits of prefix for expected internet growth. This limits device addressability and forces reliance on NAT, which adds complexity.

IPv4NATCGNAT
Category
architecture
Workaround
hack
Freshness
worsening
Scope
cross_platform
Upstream
wontfix
Recurring
Yes
Buyer Type
enterprise

Sources

Collection History

Query: “What are the most common pain points with TCP/IP for developers in 2025?”4/9/2026

We're running out of IPv4 addresses, even with NAT (and "CGNAT", which is just regular NAT with a fancy name)... Between the expected growth of internet users and all current enterprise networks, you need well in excess of 40 bits for the prefix.

Created: 4/9/2026Updated: 4/9/2026