Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallIP address exhaustion usually means there are no longer freely available IPv4 addresses for Internet registries to allocate in the ordinary way. It does not mean that addresses already in use stop working or that the Internet is about to shut down. The key distinction is between IPv4’s depleted supply of new addresses and the continued operation of networks using addresses already assigned.
What is IP address exhaustion?
In most discussions, “IP address exhaustion” means IPv4 address exhaustion. IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses and has about 4.3 billion possible addresses, according to Hong Kong’s Digital Policy Office. That finite pool was allocated over time to organizations and networks.
Address allocation is hierarchical: the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) allocates large blocks to regional Internet registries (RIRs), which distribute address space to organizations under regional policies. Exhaustion refers to the supply of unallocated addresses becoming depleted or restricted—not to every IPv4 address disappearing.
When did IPv4 addresses run out?
There was no single date when all IPv4 addresses vanished. The milestone dates refer to different stages and scopes of allocation:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Date or period | What it means |
|---|---|
| 3 February 2011 | IANA allocated its last batch of IPv4 blocks to the five RIRs. IANA now describes its IPv4 supply as exhausted on its RIR Allocation Data page; APNIC Labs lists 3 February 2011 as the global unallocated-pool exhaustion date in its report dated 12 June 2026, the IPv4 Address Report. |
| 2011–2015 | Regional pools entered constrained or exhausted phases at different times. Hong Kong’s Digital Policy Office recounts APNIC’s constrained allocation phase beginning in 2011, RIPE NCC’s final /8 phase in 2012, LACNIC describing its pool as exhausted in 2014, and ARIN’s free pool being considered exhausted in 2015. |
| November 2019 | RIPE NCC announced exhaustion of its remaining IPv4 pool. Its IPv4 run-out page says eligible local Internet registries (LIRs) can join a waiting list for one /24 if addresses are returned. |
These are historical milestones, not a universal statement of each RIR’s current availability or eligibility rules. APNIC describes exhaustion as a set of ongoing processes rather than one global or regional event in its discussion of exhaustion, transfers, and IPv6 deployment.
Why does the Internet still work?
Addresses already assigned to users, websites, businesses, and network operators remain usable. Scarcity affects how easily an organization can obtain additional public IPv4 addresses; it does not invalidate addresses that are already routed and in service.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Networks manage limited supply in several ways. They can reuse addresses when they are no longer needed, obtain existing address space through permitted transfers, or share public IPv4 addresses among multiple customers using carrier-grade network address translation (CGNAT). Sharing and transfers help operators stretch or redistribute the existing supply, but neither creates new IPv4 addresses. RIPE NCC describes these approaches on its IPv4 run-out page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does IPv6 fit in?
IPv6 is the long-term way to support continued network growth without relying on IPv4’s limited address space. It is not an instant replacement: IPv4 remains in use, and networks need to accommodate destinations and applications that may support only one protocol. The Internet Society’s FAQ on IPv6 adoption and IPv4 exhaustion explains that IPv4 use is expected to persist for years and describes transition mechanisms such as NAT64 and 464XLAT for communication between IPv6 and IPv4 environments.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For network operators, the practical choice is not simply “IPv4 or IPv6.” Transfers and address sharing can help with immediate IPv4 scarcity, while IPv6 deployment addresses long-term growth. Each option brings different compatibility, operational, and policy considerations; eligibility for registry allocations, returned-address pools, and transfer rules depends on the relevant RIR’s current policies. APNIC’s analysis of transfers and IPv6 deployment also discusses how these processes interact.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What IP address exhaustion does not mean
- It does not mean all IP addresses are gone. The term generally concerns IPv4; IPv6 is a separate addressing protocol.
- It does not mean assigned IPv4 addresses have stopped working. Exhaustion concerns the remaining supply available for allocation.
- It does not mean the Internet has to shut down. Existing IPv4 networks continue to operate, while operators use conservation, sharing, transfers, and IPv6 transition strategies.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
