Which addressing scheme uses a 128-bit address format?

The addressing scheme that uses a 128-bit address format is known as IPv6. This format was developed to address the limitations of the previous version, IPv4, which uses a 32-bit address format. The introduction of IPv6 was necessary due to the exhaustion of available IPv4 addresses as the number of internet-connected devices surged. With its 128-bit address space, IPv6 can provide a significantly larger number of unique IP addresses—over 340 undecillion—ensuring that there are enough addresses available for future growth of the internet.

IPv6 also incorporates various features such as improved routing efficiency and enhanced security measures. This address format not only solves the address shortage issue but also optimizes other networking functions, making it a crucial advancement in internet technology.