Which version of the Internet Protocol is also known as the next generation IP protocol?

The next generation IP protocol is known as IPv6. This protocol was developed to address the limitations of its predecessor, IPv4, particularly regarding the exhaustion of available IP addresses. IPv6 offers a significantly larger address space, enabling a virtually limitless number of devices to connect to the internet, which is essential in today's digital age where more devices than ever are being connected.

Additionally, IPv6 incorporates improved features such as better security protocols and more efficient routing, which enhance the overall performance of networks. The transition to IPv6 has become crucial as the number of internet-connected devices proliferates and the demand for IP addresses continues to grow.

While IPv4 is still widely used, its limitations have led to the importance of adopting IPv6. IPv5 was an experimental protocol which was never officially deployed, and IPX is a different protocol that was used primarily in Novell networks, not as a successor to IP. Hence, the identification of IPv6 as the next-generation IP protocol reflects its enhanced capabilities and its essential role in the future of internet connectivity.