5 Signs It’s Time to Sell Your IPv4 Addresses

It won’t surprise you to hear that holding onto resources that are no longer serving your business’s best interests can be costly. One such resource is IPv4 addresses. With the rapid transition to IPv6 and the increasing demand for internet connectivity, you might be sitting on a goldmine without realising it. Here are five signs it might be time to consider selling your IPv4 addresses.

1. Financial Incentives

The market for IPv4 addresses is thriving, driven by high demand and a limited supply. If you're considering investing in your business, selling these addresses could offer a substantial financial advantage. With market prices for IPv4 addresses on the rise, now may be an opportune moment to sell. The potential financial benefits from selling IPv4 addresses often serve as a strong internal motivation to kick off the project focused on preparing the address space for sale.

2. Under-Utilisation of IPv4 Addresses

If you suspect that a portion of your IPv4 address block remains unused, it may be time to evaluate its worth. Unutilised addresses can be converted into revenue, which can then be reinvested into your business. Conducting an audit of your current IP usage can uncover under-utilised addresses that might be more beneficial within another network infrastructure. Initially, your NOC team may be hesitant about the idea of auditing IPv4 usage or consolidating resources. However, a compelling incentive could be that a portion of the potential revenue can be allocated to purchase the network equipment they have been requesting.

3. Transition to IPv6

As the world shifts to IPv6, keeping IPv4 addresses may become less important. IPv6 offers almost limitless addresses and is designed for the growing number of internet-connected devices. If your organisation has transitioned to an IPv6-centric or dual-stacked network, selling your IPv4 addresses could free up resources and capital. Your NOC Team will say IPv4 is still needed; this is true, however, there are many ways to streamline IPv4 use.

4. Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can significantly impact an organisation's inventory of IPv4 addresses. When companies merge or one acquires another, their combined network infrastructures often result in overlapping or redundant resources. This overlap can include IPv4 address blocks, which may become surplus to the newly merged entity's requirements. This presents an opportunity for organisations to realign their resources, potentially sell excess addresses, and enhance their operational efficiency and financial standing.

5. Strategic Business Shift

Your business model or strategic direction may have changed since you first acquired your IPv4 addresses. If your current or future plans don't require these addresses, selling them can align your resources with your new objectives. This shift can enhance your business agility and provide the capital needed to support your new initiatives.

In conclusion, while IPv4 addresses have served businesses well over the years, holding onto them when they are no longer serving a strategic purpose can be a missed opportunity. By recognising these signs, you can make an informed decision about selling your IPv4 addresses and potentially unlock new growth avenues for your business.