CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice 2025 - Free CPSA Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary purpose of Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) is to specify routing traffic on the Internet. IPv4 is a fundamental protocol in the suite of Internet protocols, and its main function is to facilitate the addressing and routing of packets of data across networks. Each device connected to the Internet is assigned a unique IPv4 address, which is crucial for identifying and locating these devices for data transmission.

While routing is the core responsibility of IPv4, it operates by using these addresses to ensure that data packets are sent through the correct paths within the network infrastructure, allowing them to reach their intended destinations effectively. This routing capability underpins all Internet communications and is essential for the functioning of both local and wide-area networks.

Other options, while related to aspects of networking and security, do not capture the primary purpose of IPv4. Security, encryption, and network management are handled by other protocols and methodologies that often work alongside IPv4. Thus, the focus of IPv4 remains on the routing of traffic, making it an essential component of the broader Internet infrastructure.