An IPv4 address on the wire is just a 32 Bit integer in big endian. The quad-dotted notation is the most common for IPv4 but you could also use hex or decimal. There was an article on HN just recently about that. I can't find it right now but try ping 0x7F000001 to get an idea. You don't even need a new protocol you could implement something like what three words or your 999.999.999 naming scheme locally and use it on the internet right now! No need to replace any routers or have anyone else upgrade.