How many bits comprise an IPv4 address?

An IPv4 address consists of 32 bits. This is foundational in networking as IPv4 addresses are structured into four octets, each containing 8 bits. When combined, these four octets form the complete 32-bit address.

In practical terms, this means an IPv4 address can express over 4 billion unique addresses, specifically 2^32. This capacity is crucial for identifying devices in a network, whether they are computers, servers, or any other devices connected to the internet.

Understanding this structure and bit count is essential for network professionals, as it directly relates to how IP addressing works, including subnetting and routing, which are key components in managing network infrastructure. Other options like 64 bits, 16 bits, and 128 bits represent different address formats used in various contexts, such as IPv6, but they do not apply to IPv4.