The history of the internet is full of unexpected developments and failed experiments. One such experiment was Internet Stream Protocol (ST), also known as IPv5. This protocol, designed in the late 1970s, aimed to provide real-time streaming capabilities for defense purposes. Although it was never ratified as a global protocol, its legacy lives on in the development of Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology.
IPv4 and IPv6 are two widely recognized protocols that have dominated the internet landscape. However, IPv5 took a different approach with its 32-bit addressing scheme, which provided approximately 4.3 billion unique IP addresses. Despite its experimental nature, ST was tested for VOIP features in prototype equipment and demonstrated reliable data streaming capabilities.
The advent of broadband technologies rendered IPv5’s architecture unnecessary, as it addressed the problems of bandwidth and latency more efficiently. As a result, the industry skipped over IPv5 and moved directly to IPv6, leaving it as a forgotten protocol. The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 has been slow due to various reasons, including easier configuration, reduced complexity, and legacy support.
The lack of adoption for IPv6 has led to companies accepting IPv4 addresses as collateral to borrow millions of dollars. This highlights the ongoing struggle to migrate to newer technologies. Despite its failure, IPv5’s influence can still be seen in the development of VOIP technology, which has become a staple in modern communication systems.
In summary, the history of Internet Stream Protocol (ST) or IPv5 serves as a reminder that even failed experiments can leave lasting impacts on the development of new technologies. As we continue to evolve and innovate, it’s essential to learn from our past mistakes and explore alternative solutions to overcome the challenges we face today.
Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/networking/ipv5-and-the-internet-stream-protocol-a-data-streaming-experiment-rendered-unnecessary-by-broadband