diff --git a/examples/advanced/network_discover.py b/examples/advanced/network_discover.py
index 71edd209..13f7d03a 100644
--- a/examples/advanced/network_discover.py
+++ b/examples/advanced/network_discover.py
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ try:
         expand_wildcard_address,
         get_available_interfaces,
         get_optimal_binding_address,
+        get_wildcard_address,
     )
 except ImportError:
     # Fallbacks if utilities are missing
@@ -29,6 +30,9 @@ except ImportError:
     def get_optimal_binding_address(port: int, protocol: str = "tcp"):
         return Multiaddr(f"/ip4/127.0.0.1/{protocol}/{port}")
 
+    def get_wildcard_address(port: int, protocol: str = "tcp"):
+        return Multiaddr(f"/ip4/0.0.0.0/{protocol}/{port}")
+
 
 def main() -> None:
     port = 8080
@@ -37,7 +41,10 @@ def main() -> None:
     for a in interfaces:
         print(f"  - {a}")
 
-    wildcard_v4 = Multiaddr(f"/ip4/0.0.0.0/tcp/{port}")
+    # Demonstrate wildcard address as a feature
+    wildcard_v4 = get_wildcard_address(port)
+    print(f"\nWildcard address (feature): {wildcard_v4}")
+
     expanded_v4 = expand_wildcard_address(wildcard_v4)
     print("\nExpanded IPv4 wildcard:")
     for a in expanded_v4:
diff --git a/examples/bootstrap/bootstrap.py b/examples/bootstrap/bootstrap.py
index 825f3a08..b4fa9234 100644
--- a/examples/bootstrap/bootstrap.py
+++ b/examples/bootstrap/bootstrap.py
@@ -53,7 +53,11 @@ BOOTSTRAP_PEERS = [
 
 async def run(port: int, bootstrap_addrs: list[str]) -> None:
     """Run the bootstrap discovery example."""
-    from libp2p.utils.address_validation import find_free_port, get_available_interfaces
+    from libp2p.utils.address_validation import (
+        find_free_port,
+        get_available_interfaces,
+        get_optimal_binding_address,
+    )
 
     if port <= 0:
         port = find_free_port()
@@ -93,6 +97,12 @@ async def run(port: int, bootstrap_addrs: list[str]) -> None:
                 logger.info(f"{addr}")
                 print(f"{addr}")
 
+            # Display optimal address for reference
+            optimal_addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
+            optimal_addr_with_peer = f"{optimal_addr}/p2p/{host.get_id().to_string()}"
+            logger.info(f"Optimal address: {optimal_addr_with_peer}")
+            print(f"Optimal address: {optimal_addr_with_peer}")
+
             # Keep running and log peer discovery events
             await trio.sleep_forever()
     except KeyboardInterrupt:
diff --git a/examples/chat/chat.py b/examples/chat/chat.py
index 35f98d25..ee133af1 100755
--- a/examples/chat/chat.py
+++ b/examples/chat/chat.py
@@ -46,7 +46,11 @@ async def write_data(stream: INetStream) -> None:
 
 
 async def run(port: int, destination: str) -> None:
-    from libp2p.utils.address_validation import find_free_port, get_available_interfaces
+    from libp2p.utils.address_validation import (
+        find_free_port,
+        get_available_interfaces,
+        get_optimal_binding_address,
+    )
 
     if port <= 0:
         port = find_free_port()
@@ -72,11 +76,12 @@ async def run(port: int, destination: str) -> None:
             for addr in all_addrs:
                 print(f"{addr}")
 
-            # Use the first address as the default for the client command
-            default_addr = all_addrs[0]
+            # Use optimal address for the client command
+            optimal_addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
+            optimal_addr_with_peer = f"{optimal_addr}/p2p/{host.get_id().to_string()}"
             print(
                 f"\nRun this from the same folder in another console:\n\n"
-                f"chat-demo -d {default_addr}\n"
+                f"chat-demo -d {optimal_addr_with_peer}\n"
             )
             print("Waiting for incoming connection...")
 
diff --git a/examples/doc-examples/example_multiplexer.py b/examples/doc-examples/example_multiplexer.py
index 6963ace0..63a29fc5 100644
--- a/examples/doc-examples/example_multiplexer.py
+++ b/examples/doc-examples/example_multiplexer.py
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 import secrets
 
-import multiaddr
 import trio
 
 from libp2p import (
@@ -13,6 +12,10 @@ from libp2p.security.noise.transport import (
     PROTOCOL_ID as NOISE_PROTOCOL_ID,
     Transport as NoiseTransport,
 )
+from libp2p.utils.address_validation import (
+    get_available_interfaces,
+    get_optimal_binding_address,
+)
 
 
 async def main():
@@ -39,14 +42,16 @@ async def main():
     # Create a host with the key pair, Noise security, and mplex multiplexer
     host = new_host(key_pair=key_pair, sec_opt=security_options)
 
-    # Configure the listening address
+    # Configure the listening address using the new paradigm
     port = 8000
-    listen_addr = multiaddr.Multiaddr(f"/ip4/127.0.0.1/tcp/{port}")
+    listen_addrs = get_available_interfaces(port)
+    optimal_addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
 
     # Start the host
-    async with host.run(listen_addrs=[listen_addr]):
+    async with host.run(listen_addrs=listen_addrs):
         print("libp2p has started with Noise encryption and mplex multiplexing")
         print("libp2p is listening on:", host.get_addrs())
+        print(f"Optimal address: {optimal_addr}")
         # Keep the host running
         await trio.sleep_forever()
 
diff --git a/examples/doc-examples/example_net_stream.py b/examples/doc-examples/example_net_stream.py
index a77a7509..6f7eb4b0 100644
--- a/examples/doc-examples/example_net_stream.py
+++ b/examples/doc-examples/example_net_stream.py
@@ -38,6 +38,10 @@ from libp2p.network.stream.net_stream import (
 from libp2p.peer.peerinfo import (
     info_from_p2p_addr,
 )
+from libp2p.utils.address_validation import (
+    get_available_interfaces,
+    get_optimal_binding_address,
+)
 
 PROTOCOL_ID = TProtocol("/echo/1.0.0")
 
@@ -173,7 +177,9 @@ async def run_enhanced_demo(
     """
     Run enhanced echo demo with NetStream state management.
     """
-    listen_addr = multiaddr.Multiaddr(f"/ip4/127.0.0.1/tcp/{port}")
+    # Use the new address paradigm
+    listen_addrs = get_available_interfaces(port)
+    optimal_addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
 
     # Generate or use provided key
     if seed:
@@ -185,7 +191,7 @@ async def run_enhanced_demo(
 
     host = new_host(key_pair=create_new_key_pair(secret))
 
-    async with host.run(listen_addrs=[listen_addr]):
+    async with host.run(listen_addrs=listen_addrs):
         print(f"Host ID: {host.get_id().to_string()}")
         print("=" * 60)
 
@@ -196,10 +202,12 @@ async def run_enhanced_demo(
             # type: ignore: Stream is type of NetStream
             host.set_stream_handler(PROTOCOL_ID, enhanced_echo_handler)
 
+            # Use optimal address for client command
+            optimal_addr_with_peer = f"{optimal_addr}/p2p/{host.get_id().to_string()}"
             print(
                 "Run client from another console:\n"
                 f"python3 example_net_stream.py "
-                f"-d {host.get_addrs()[0]}\n"
+                f"-d {optimal_addr_with_peer}\n"
             )
             print("Waiting for connections...")
             print("Press Ctrl+C to stop server")
diff --git a/examples/doc-examples/example_running.py b/examples/doc-examples/example_running.py
index 7f3ade32..2f495979 100644
--- a/examples/doc-examples/example_running.py
+++ b/examples/doc-examples/example_running.py
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 import secrets
 
-import multiaddr
 import trio
 
 from libp2p import (
@@ -13,6 +12,10 @@ from libp2p.security.noise.transport import (
     PROTOCOL_ID as NOISE_PROTOCOL_ID,
     Transport as NoiseTransport,
 )
+from libp2p.utils.address_validation import (
+    get_available_interfaces,
+    get_optimal_binding_address,
+)
 
 
 async def main():
@@ -39,14 +42,16 @@ async def main():
     # Create a host with the key pair, Noise security, and mplex multiplexer
     host = new_host(key_pair=key_pair, sec_opt=security_options)
 
-    # Configure the listening address
+    # Configure the listening address using the new paradigm
     port = 8000
-    listen_addr = multiaddr.Multiaddr(f"/ip4/127.0.0.1/tcp/{port}")
+    listen_addrs = get_available_interfaces(port)
+    optimal_addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
 
     # Start the host
-    async with host.run(listen_addrs=[listen_addr]):
+    async with host.run(listen_addrs=listen_addrs):
         print("libp2p has started")
         print("libp2p is listening on:", host.get_addrs())
+        print(f"Optimal address: {optimal_addr}")
         # Keep the host running
         await trio.sleep_forever()
 
diff --git a/examples/doc-examples/example_transport.py b/examples/doc-examples/example_transport.py
index 8f4c9fa1..9d29d457 100644
--- a/examples/doc-examples/example_transport.py
+++ b/examples/doc-examples/example_transport.py
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 import secrets
 
-import multiaddr
 import trio
 
 from libp2p import (
@@ -9,6 +8,10 @@ from libp2p import (
 from libp2p.crypto.secp256k1 import (
     create_new_key_pair,
 )
+from libp2p.utils.address_validation import (
+    get_available_interfaces,
+    get_optimal_binding_address,
+)
 
 
 async def main():
@@ -19,14 +22,16 @@ async def main():
     # Create a host with the key pair
     host = new_host(key_pair=key_pair)
 
-    # Configure the listening address
+    # Configure the listening address using the new paradigm
     port = 8000
-    listen_addr = multiaddr.Multiaddr(f"/ip4/127.0.0.1/tcp/{port}")
+    listen_addrs = get_available_interfaces(port)
+    optimal_addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
 
     # Start the host
-    async with host.run(listen_addrs=[listen_addr]):
+    async with host.run(listen_addrs=listen_addrs):
         print("libp2p has started with TCP transport")
         print("libp2p is listening on:", host.get_addrs())
+        print(f"Optimal address: {optimal_addr}")
         # Keep the host running
         await trio.sleep_forever()
 
diff --git a/examples/echo/echo.py b/examples/echo/echo.py
index 42e3ff0c..d998f6e8 100644
--- a/examples/echo/echo.py
+++ b/examples/echo/echo.py
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ from libp2p.peer.peerinfo import (
 from libp2p.utils.address_validation import (
     find_free_port,
     get_available_interfaces,
+    get_optimal_binding_address,
 )
 
 # Configure minimal logging
@@ -82,9 +83,13 @@ async def run(port: int, destination: str, seed: int | None = None) -> None:
             for addr in listen_addr:
                 print(f"{addr}/p2p/{peer_id}")
 
+            # Get optimal address for display
+            optimal_addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
+            optimal_addr_with_peer = f"{optimal_addr}/p2p/{peer_id}"
+
             print(
                 "\nRun this from the same folder in another console:\n\n"
-                f"echo-demo -d {host.get_addrs()[0]}\n"
+                f"echo-demo -d {optimal_addr_with_peer}\n"
             )
             print("Waiting for incoming connections...")
             await trio.sleep_forever()
diff --git a/examples/identify/identify.py b/examples/identify/identify.py
index bd973a3e..addfff89 100644
--- a/examples/identify/identify.py
+++ b/examples/identify/identify.py
@@ -63,7 +63,10 @@ def print_identify_response(identify_response: Identify):
 
 
 async def run(port: int, destination: str, use_varint_format: bool = True) -> None:
-    from libp2p.utils.address_validation import get_available_interfaces
+    from libp2p.utils.address_validation import (
+        get_available_interfaces,
+        get_optimal_binding_address,
+    )
 
     if not destination:
         # Create first host (listener)
@@ -100,11 +103,12 @@ async def run(port: int, destination: str, use_varint_format: bool = True) -> No
             for addr in all_addrs:
                 print(f"{addr}")
 
-            # Use the first address as the default for the client command
-            default_addr = all_addrs[0]
+            # Use optimal address for the client command
+            optimal_addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
+            optimal_addr_with_peer = f"{optimal_addr}/p2p/{host_a.get_id().to_string()}"
             print(
                 f"\nRun this from the same folder in another console:\n\n"
-                f"identify-demo {format_flag} -d {default_addr}\n"
+                f"identify-demo {format_flag} -d {optimal_addr_with_peer}\n"
             )
             print("Waiting for incoming identify request...")
 
@@ -152,6 +156,7 @@ async def run(port: int, destination: str, use_varint_format: bool = True) -> No
         from libp2p.utils.address_validation import (
             find_free_port,
             get_available_interfaces,
+            get_optimal_binding_address,
         )
 
         if port <= 0:
diff --git a/examples/kademlia/kademlia.py b/examples/kademlia/kademlia.py
index 80bbc995..cf4b2988 100644
--- a/examples/kademlia/kademlia.py
+++ b/examples/kademlia/kademlia.py
@@ -151,7 +151,10 @@ async def run_node(
         key_pair = create_new_key_pair(secrets.token_bytes(32))
         host = new_host(key_pair=key_pair)
 
-        from libp2p.utils.address_validation import get_available_interfaces
+        from libp2p.utils.address_validation import (
+            get_available_interfaces,
+            get_optimal_binding_address,
+        )
 
         listen_addrs = get_available_interfaces(port)
 
@@ -168,9 +171,10 @@ async def run_node(
             for addr in all_addrs:
                 logger.info(f"{addr}")
 
-            # Use the first address as the default for the bootstrap command
-            default_addr = all_addrs[0]
-            bootstrap_cmd = f"--bootstrap {default_addr}"
+            # Use optimal address for the bootstrap command
+            optimal_addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
+            optimal_addr_with_peer = f"{optimal_addr}/p2p/{host.get_id().to_string()}"
+            bootstrap_cmd = f"--bootstrap {optimal_addr_with_peer}"
             logger.info("To connect to this node, use: %s", bootstrap_cmd)
 
             await connect_to_bootstrap_nodes(host, bootstrap_nodes)
@@ -182,7 +186,7 @@ async def run_node(
 
             # Save server address in server mode
             if dht_mode == DHTMode.SERVER:
-                save_server_addr(str(default_addr))
+                save_server_addr(str(optimal_addr_with_peer))
 
             # Start the DHT service
             async with background_trio_service(dht):
diff --git a/examples/ping/ping.py b/examples/ping/ping.py
index 52bb759a..5c7f54e4 100644
--- a/examples/ping/ping.py
+++ b/examples/ping/ping.py
@@ -61,7 +61,11 @@ async def send_ping(stream: INetStream) -> None:
 
 
 async def run(port: int, destination: str) -> None:
-    from libp2p.utils.address_validation import find_free_port, get_available_interfaces
+    from libp2p.utils.address_validation import (
+        find_free_port,
+        get_available_interfaces,
+        get_optimal_binding_address,
+    )
 
     if port <= 0:
         port = find_free_port()
@@ -83,11 +87,12 @@ async def run(port: int, destination: str) -> None:
             for addr in all_addrs:
                 print(f"{addr}")
 
-            # Use the first address as the default for the client command
-            default_addr = all_addrs[0]
+            # Use optimal address for the client command
+            optimal_addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
+            optimal_addr_with_peer = f"{optimal_addr}/p2p/{host.get_id().to_string()}"
             print(
                 f"\nRun this from the same folder in another console:\n\n"
-                f"ping-demo -d {default_addr}\n"
+                f"ping-demo -d {optimal_addr_with_peer}\n"
             )
             print("Waiting for incoming connection...")
 
diff --git a/examples/pubsub/pubsub.py b/examples/pubsub/pubsub.py
index 6e8495c1..adb3a1d0 100644
--- a/examples/pubsub/pubsub.py
+++ b/examples/pubsub/pubsub.py
@@ -102,7 +102,10 @@ async def monitor_peer_topics(pubsub, nursery, termination_event):
 
 
 async def run(topic: str, destination: str | None, port: int | None) -> None:
-    from libp2p.utils.address_validation import get_available_interfaces
+    from libp2p.utils.address_validation import (
+        get_available_interfaces,
+        get_optimal_binding_address,
+    )
 
     if port is None or port == 0:
         port = find_free_port()
@@ -162,11 +165,14 @@ async def run(topic: str, destination: str | None, port: int | None) -> None:
                     for addr in all_addrs:
                         logger.info(f"{addr}")
 
-                    # Use the first address as the default for the client command
-                    default_addr = all_addrs[0]
+                    # Use optimal address for the client command
+                    optimal_addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
+                    optimal_addr_with_peer = (
+                        f"{optimal_addr}/p2p/{host.get_id().to_string()}"
+                    )
                     logger.info(
                         f"\nRun this from the same folder in another console:\n\n"
-                        f"pubsub-demo -d {default_addr}\n"
+                        f"pubsub-demo -d {optimal_addr_with_peer}\n"
                     )
                     logger.info("Waiting for peers...")
 
diff --git a/libp2p/utils/address_validation.py b/libp2p/utils/address_validation.py
index a470ad24..5ce58671 100644
--- a/libp2p/utils/address_validation.py
+++ b/libp2p/utils/address_validation.py
@@ -3,38 +3,24 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 import socket
 
 from multiaddr import Multiaddr
-
-try:
-    from multiaddr.utils import (  # type: ignore
-        get_network_addrs,
-        get_thin_waist_addresses,
-    )
-
-    _HAS_THIN_WAIST = True
-except ImportError:  # pragma: no cover - only executed in older environments
-    _HAS_THIN_WAIST = False
-    get_thin_waist_addresses = None  # type: ignore
-    get_network_addrs = None  # type: ignore
+from multiaddr.utils import get_network_addrs, get_thin_waist_addresses
 
 
 def _safe_get_network_addrs(ip_version: int) -> list[str]:
     """
     Internal safe wrapper. Returns a list of IP addresses for the requested IP version.
-    Falls back to minimal defaults when Thin Waist helpers are missing.
 
     :param ip_version: 4 or 6
     """
-    if _HAS_THIN_WAIST and get_network_addrs:
-        try:
-            return get_network_addrs(ip_version) or []
-        except Exception:  # pragma: no cover - defensive
-            return []
-    # Fallback behavior (very conservative)
-    if ip_version == 4:
-        return ["127.0.0.1"]
-    if ip_version == 6:
-        return ["::1"]
-    return []
+    try:
+        return get_network_addrs(ip_version) or []
+    except Exception:  # pragma: no cover - defensive
+        # Fallback behavior (very conservative)
+        if ip_version == 4:
+            return ["127.0.0.1"]
+        if ip_version == 6:
+            return ["::1"]
+        return []
 
 
 def find_free_port() -> int:
@@ -47,16 +33,13 @@ def find_free_port() -> int:
 def _safe_expand(addr: Multiaddr, port: int | None = None) -> list[Multiaddr]:
     """
     Internal safe expansion wrapper. Returns a list of Multiaddr objects.
-    If Thin Waist isn't available, returns [addr] (identity).
     """
-    if _HAS_THIN_WAIST and get_thin_waist_addresses:
-        try:
-            if port is not None:
-                return get_thin_waist_addresses(addr, port=port) or []
-            return get_thin_waist_addresses(addr) or []
-        except Exception:  # pragma: no cover - defensive
-            return [addr]
-    return [addr]
+    try:
+        if port is not None:
+            return get_thin_waist_addresses(addr, port=port) or []
+        return get_thin_waist_addresses(addr) or []
+    except Exception:  # pragma: no cover - defensive
+        return [addr]
 
 
 def get_available_interfaces(port: int, protocol: str = "tcp") -> list[Multiaddr]:
@@ -122,6 +105,20 @@ def expand_wildcard_address(
     return expanded
 
 
+def get_wildcard_address(port: int, protocol: str = "tcp") -> Multiaddr:
+    """
+    Get wildcard address (0.0.0.0) when explicitly needed.
+
+    This function provides access to wildcard binding as a feature when
+    explicitly required, preserving the ability to bind to all interfaces.
+
+    :param port: Port number.
+    :param protocol: Transport protocol.
+    :return: A Multiaddr with wildcard binding (0.0.0.0).
+    """
+    return Multiaddr(f"/ip4/0.0.0.0/{protocol}/{port}")
+
+
 def get_optimal_binding_address(port: int, protocol: str = "tcp") -> Multiaddr:
     """
     Choose an optimal address for an example to bind to:
@@ -157,6 +154,7 @@ def get_optimal_binding_address(port: int, protocol: str = "tcp") -> Multiaddr:
 __all__ = [
     "get_available_interfaces",
     "get_optimal_binding_address",
+    "get_wildcard_address",
     "expand_wildcard_address",
     "find_free_port",
 ]
diff --git a/tests/examples/test_examples_bind_address.py b/tests/examples/test_examples_bind_address.py
index 1045c90b..c0dd9de3 100644
--- a/tests/examples/test_examples_bind_address.py
+++ b/tests/examples/test_examples_bind_address.py
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 """
-Tests to verify that all examples use 127.0.0.1 instead of 0.0.0.0
+Tests to verify that all examples use the new address paradigm consistently
 """
 
 from pathlib import Path
 
 
-class TestExamplesBindAddress:
-    """Test suite to verify all examples use secure bind addresses"""
+class TestExamplesAddressParadigm:
+    """Test suite to verify all examples use the new address paradigm consistently"""
 
     def get_example_files(self):
         """Get all Python files in the examples directory"""
@@ -32,49 +32,26 @@ class TestExamplesBindAddress:
 
         return found_wildcards
 
-    def test_no_wildcard_binding_in_examples(self):
-        """Test that no example files use 0.0.0.0 for binding"""
+    def test_examples_use_address_paradigm(self):
+        """Test that examples use the new address paradigm functions"""
         example_files = self.get_example_files()
 
-        # Skip certain files that might legitimately discuss wildcards
-        skip_files = [
-            "network_discover.py",  # This demonstrates wildcard expansion
-        ]
-
-        files_with_wildcards = {}
-
-        for filepath in example_files:
-            if any(skip in str(filepath) for skip in skip_files):
-                continue
-
-            wildcards = self.check_file_for_wildcard_binding(filepath)
-            if wildcards:
-                files_with_wildcards[str(filepath)] = wildcards
-
-        # Assert no wildcards found
-        if files_with_wildcards:
-            error_msg = "Found wildcard bindings in example files:\n"
-            for filepath, occurrences in files_with_wildcards.items():
-                error_msg += f"\n{filepath}:\n"
-                for line_num, line in occurrences:
-                    error_msg += f"  Line {line_num}: {line}\n"
-
-            assert False, error_msg
-
-    def test_examples_use_loopback_address(self):
-        """Test that examples use 127.0.0.1 for local binding"""
-        example_files = self.get_example_files()
-
-        # Files that should contain listen addresses
-        files_with_networking = [
-            "ping/ping.py",
+        # Files that should use the new paradigm
+        networking_examples = [
+            "echo/echo.py",
             "chat/chat.py",
+            "ping/ping.py",
             "bootstrap/bootstrap.py",
             "pubsub/pubsub.py",
             "identify/identify.py",
         ]
 
-        for filename in files_with_networking:
+        paradigm_functions = [
+            "get_available_interfaces",
+            "get_optimal_binding_address",
+        ]
+
+        for filename in networking_examples:
             filepath = None
             for example_file in example_files:
                 if filename in str(example_file):
@@ -87,24 +64,54 @@ class TestExamplesBindAddress:
             with open(filepath, encoding="utf-8") as f:
                 content = f.read()
 
-            # Check for proper loopback usage
-            has_loopback = "127.0.0.1" in content or "localhost" in content
-            has_multiaddr_loopback = "/ip4/127.0.0.1/" in content
+            # Check that the file uses the new paradigm functions
+            for func in paradigm_functions:
+                assert func in content, (
+                    f"{filepath} should use {func} from the new address paradigm"
+                )
 
-            assert has_loopback or has_multiaddr_loopback, (
-                f"{filepath} should use loopback address (127.0.0.1)"
+    def test_wildcard_available_as_feature(self):
+        """Test that wildcard is available as a feature when needed"""
+        example_files = self.get_example_files()
+
+        # Check that network_discover.py demonstrates wildcard usage
+        network_discover_file = None
+        for example_file in example_files:
+            if "network_discover.py" in str(example_file):
+                network_discover_file = example_file
+                break
+
+        if network_discover_file:
+            with open(network_discover_file, encoding="utf-8") as f:
+                content = f.read()
+
+            # Should demonstrate wildcard expansion
+            assert "0.0.0.0" in content, (
+                f"{network_discover_file} should demonstrate wildcard usage"
+            )
+            assert "expand_wildcard_address" in content, (
+                f"{network_discover_file} should use expand_wildcard_address"
             )
 
-    def test_doc_examples_use_loopback(self):
-        """Test that documentation examples use secure addresses"""
+    def test_doc_examples_use_paradigm(self):
+        """Test that documentation examples use the new address paradigm"""
         doc_examples_dir = Path("examples/doc-examples")
         if not doc_examples_dir.exists():
             return
 
         doc_example_files = list(doc_examples_dir.glob("*.py"))
 
+        paradigm_functions = [
+            "get_available_interfaces",
+            "get_optimal_binding_address",
+        ]
+
         for filepath in doc_example_files:
-            wildcards = self.check_file_for_wildcard_binding(filepath)
-            assert not wildcards, (
-                f"Documentation example {filepath} contains wildcard binding"
-            )
+            with open(filepath, encoding="utf-8") as f:
+                content = f.read()
+
+            # Check that doc examples use the new paradigm
+            for func in paradigm_functions:
+                assert func in content, (
+                    f"Documentation example {filepath} should use {func}"
+                )
diff --git a/tests/utils/test_default_bind_address.py b/tests/utils/test_default_bind_address.py
index b8a501d2..b0598b5a 100644
--- a/tests/utils/test_default_bind_address.py
+++ b/tests/utils/test_default_bind_address.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 """
-Tests for default bind address changes from 0.0.0.0 to 127.0.0.1
+Tests for the new address paradigm with wildcard support as a feature
 """
 
 import pytest
@@ -9,28 +9,43 @@ from libp2p import new_host
 from libp2p.utils.address_validation import (
     get_available_interfaces,
     get_optimal_binding_address,
+    get_wildcard_address,
 )
 
 
-class TestDefaultBindAddress:
+class TestAddressParadigm:
     """
-    Test suite for verifying default bind addresses use
-    secure addresses (not 0.0.0.0)
+    Test suite for verifying the new address paradigm:
+    - get_available_interfaces() returns all available interfaces
+    - get_optimal_binding_address() returns optimal address for examples
+    - get_wildcard_address() provides wildcard as a feature when needed
     """
 
-    def test_default_bind_address_is_not_wildcard(self):
-        """Test that default bind address is NOT 0.0.0.0 (wildcard)"""
+    def test_wildcard_address_function(self):
+        """Test that get_wildcard_address() provides wildcard as a feature"""
+        port = 8000
+        addr = get_wildcard_address(port)
+
+        # Should return wildcard address when explicitly requested
+        assert "0.0.0.0" in str(addr)
+        addr_str = str(addr)
+        assert "/ip4/" in addr_str
+        assert f"/tcp/{port}" in addr_str
+
+    def test_optimal_binding_address_selection(self):
+        """Test that optimal binding address uses good heuristics"""
         port = 8000
         addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
 
-        # Should NOT return wildcard address
-        assert "0.0.0.0" not in str(addr)
-
         # Should return a valid IP address (could be loopback or local network)
         addr_str = str(addr)
         assert "/ip4/" in addr_str
         assert f"/tcp/{port}" in addr_str
 
+        # Should be from available interfaces
+        available_interfaces = get_available_interfaces(port)
+        assert addr in available_interfaces
+
     def test_available_interfaces_includes_loopback(self):
         """Test that available interfaces always includes loopback address"""
         port = 8000
@@ -43,9 +58,12 @@ class TestDefaultBindAddress:
         loopback_found = any("127.0.0.1" in str(addr) for addr in interfaces)
         assert loopback_found, "Loopback address not found in available interfaces"
 
-        # Should not have wildcard as the only option
-        if len(interfaces) == 1:
-            assert "0.0.0.0" not in str(interfaces[0])
+        # Available interfaces should not include wildcard by default
+        # (wildcard is available as a feature through get_wildcard_address())
+        wildcard_found = any("0.0.0.0" in str(addr) for addr in interfaces)
+        assert not wildcard_found, (
+            "Wildcard should not be in default available interfaces"
+        )
 
     def test_host_default_listen_address(self):
         """Test that new hosts use secure default addresses"""
@@ -59,55 +77,66 @@ class TestDefaultBindAddress:
         # Note: We can't test actual binding without running the host,
         # but we've verified the address format is correct
 
-    def test_no_wildcard_in_fallback(self):
-        """Test that fallback addresses don't use wildcard binding"""
-        # When no interfaces are discovered, fallback should be loopback
+    def test_paradigm_consistency(self):
+        """Test that the address paradigm is consistent"""
         port = 8000
 
-        # Even if we can't discover interfaces, we should get loopback
-        addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
-        # Should NOT be wildcard
-        assert "0.0.0.0" not in str(addr)
+        # get_optimal_binding_address should return a valid address
+        optimal_addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
+        assert "/ip4/" in str(optimal_addr)
+        assert f"/tcp/{port}" in str(optimal_addr)
 
-        # Should be a valid IP address
-        addr_str = str(addr)
-        assert "/ip4/" in addr_str
-        assert f"/tcp/{port}" in addr_str
+        # get_wildcard_address should return wildcard when explicitly needed
+        wildcard_addr = get_wildcard_address(port)
+        assert "0.0.0.0" in str(wildcard_addr)
+        assert f"/tcp/{port}" in str(wildcard_addr)
+
+        # Both should be valid Multiaddr objects
+        assert isinstance(optimal_addr, Multiaddr)
+        assert isinstance(wildcard_addr, Multiaddr)
 
     @pytest.mark.parametrize("protocol", ["tcp", "udp"])
-    def test_different_protocols_use_secure_addresses(self, protocol):
-        """Test that different protocols still use secure addresses by default"""
+    def test_different_protocols_support(self, protocol):
+        """Test that different protocols are supported by the paradigm"""
         port = 8000
-        addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port, protocol=protocol)
 
-        # Should NOT be wildcard
-        assert "0.0.0.0" not in str(addr)
-        assert protocol in str(addr)
+        # Test optimal address with different protocols
+        optimal_addr = get_optimal_binding_address(port, protocol=protocol)
+        assert protocol in str(optimal_addr)
+        assert f"/{protocol}/{port}" in str(optimal_addr)
 
-        # Should be a valid IP address
-        addr_str = str(addr)
-        assert "/ip4/" in addr_str
-        assert f"/{protocol}/{port}" in addr_str
+        # Test wildcard address with different protocols
+        wildcard_addr = get_wildcard_address(port, protocol=protocol)
+        assert "0.0.0.0" in str(wildcard_addr)
+        assert protocol in str(wildcard_addr)
+        assert f"/{protocol}/{port}" in str(wildcard_addr)
 
-    def test_security_no_public_binding_by_default(self):
-        """Test that no public interface binding occurs by default"""
+        # Test available interfaces with different protocols
+        interfaces = get_available_interfaces(port, protocol=protocol)
+        assert len(interfaces) > 0
+        for addr in interfaces:
+            assert protocol in str(addr)
+
+    def test_wildcard_available_as_feature(self):
+        """Test that wildcard binding is available as a feature when needed"""
         port = 8000
+
+        # Wildcard should be available through get_wildcard_address()
+        wildcard_addr = get_wildcard_address(port)
+        assert "0.0.0.0" in str(wildcard_addr)
+
+        # But should not be in default available interfaces
         interfaces = get_available_interfaces(port)
-
-        # Check that we don't expose on all interfaces by default
-        wildcard_addrs = [addr for addr in interfaces if "0.0.0.0" in str(addr)]
-        assert len(wildcard_addrs) == 0, (
-            "Found wildcard addresses in default interfaces"
+        wildcard_in_interfaces = any("0.0.0.0" in str(addr) for addr in interfaces)
+        assert not wildcard_in_interfaces, (
+            "Wildcard should not be in default interfaces"
         )
 
-        # Verify optimal address selection doesn't choose wildcard
+        # Optimal address should not be wildcard by default
         optimal = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
-        assert "0.0.0.0" not in str(optimal), "Optimal address should not be wildcard"
-
-        # Should be a valid IP address (could be loopback or local network)
-        addr_str = str(optimal)
-        assert "/ip4/" in addr_str
-        assert f"/tcp/{port}" in addr_str
+        assert "0.0.0.0" not in str(optimal), (
+            "Optimal address should not be wildcard by default"
+        )
 
     def test_loopback_is_always_available(self):
         """Test that loopback address is always available as an option"""
@@ -132,9 +161,6 @@ class TestDefaultBindAddress:
         interfaces = get_available_interfaces(port)
         optimal = get_optimal_binding_address(port)
 
-        # Should never return wildcard
-        assert "0.0.0.0" not in str(optimal)
-
         # Should return one of the available interfaces
         optimal_str = str(optimal)
         interface_strs = [str(addr) for addr in interfaces]
@@ -142,7 +168,7 @@ class TestDefaultBindAddress:
             f"Optimal address {optimal_str} should be in available interfaces"
         )
 
-        # If non-loopback interfaces are available, should prefer them
+        # Should prefer non-loopback when available, fallback to loopback
         non_loopback_interfaces = [
             addr for addr in interfaces if "127.0.0.1" not in str(addr)
         ]
@@ -157,23 +183,21 @@ class TestDefaultBindAddress:
                 "Should use loopback when no other interfaces available"
             )
 
-    def test_address_validation_utilities_behavior(self):
-        """Test that address validation utilities behave as expected"""
+    def test_address_paradigm_completeness(self):
+        """Test that the address paradigm provides all necessary functionality"""
         port = 8000
 
-        # Test that we get multiple interface options
+        # Test that we get interface options
         interfaces = get_available_interfaces(port)
-        assert len(interfaces) >= 2, (
-            "Should have at least loopback + one network interface"
-        )
+        assert len(interfaces) >= 1, "Should have at least one interface"
 
         # Test that loopback is always included
         has_loopback = any("127.0.0.1" in str(addr) for addr in interfaces)
         assert has_loopback, "Loopback should always be available"
 
-        # Test that no wildcards are included
-        has_wildcard = any("0.0.0.0" in str(addr) for addr in interfaces)
-        assert not has_wildcard, "Wildcard addresses should never be included"
+        # Test that wildcard is available as a feature
+        wildcard_addr = get_wildcard_address(port)
+        assert "0.0.0.0" in str(wildcard_addr)
 
         # Test optimal selection
         optimal = get_optimal_binding_address(port)