Final answer:
IPv4 addresses are assigned in classes with Class A ranging from 1.0.0.0 to 126.255.255.255, Class B from 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255, and Class C from 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255. Class D is for multicast and Class E is reserved for future use.
Step-by-step explanation:
An IP address is a numerical label assigned to devices on a network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. IPv4, the fourth version of the Internet Protocol, defines several classes of IP addresses with different address ranges according to their use. Below are the main address classes of IPv4:
- Class A: 1.0.0.0 to 126.255.255.255
- Class B: 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255
- Class C: 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255
- Class D (Multicast): 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255
- Class E (Reserved for future use, or Research and Development): 240.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255
The range of address space for each class is designed to support different sizes of networks, from a few large networks with many hosts (Class A) to many small networks with fewer hosts (Class C). Understanding the structure and allocation of IP addresses is crucial for the design and management of networks.