An IPv4 auction is a marketplace or platform where individuals, organizations, and businesses can buy and sell IPv4 address blocks through a competitive bidding process. With the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses and the slow adoption of IPv6, these auctions have become a hotspot for companies seeking to expand their digital footprint. Sellers typically list the IPv4 address blocks they wish to sell, and buyers participate in the auction by placing bids on the listed address blocks over a short timeframe.
The highest bidder at the end of the auction secures the right to purchase the IPv4 addresses, while unsuccessful bidders do not acquire the addresses and may need to explore other acquisition methods.
The auction process involves several stages, including registration, listing and bidding, and the transfer of funds into an escrow account. Winning an IPv4 auction is considered a big deal as it provides businesses with the necessary resources to expand their online presence and can be seen as an investment in their future digital infrastructure.