What is the length of the 'Version' field in the IPv4 header?

In the IPv4 header, the 'Version' field is crucial because it indicates the format of the IP packet. The length of the 'Version' field is 4 bits. This 4-bit field is used to specify the version of the Internet Protocol being used. In the case of IPv4, this value is always set to '4'. This allows devices and systems that process IP packets to understand the protocol version being used for communication, which is essential for proper routing and handling of packets.

The 'Version' field is located at the beginning of the IPv4 header. Since it only occupies 4 bits, this allows for a straightforward interpretation of the protocol version without using excessive header space, which is critical for maintaining efficiency in network communications.