An IP address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique numeric identifier assigned to each device connected to the Internet or other computer network. It performs the same function as a physical address in the real world: it allows you to locate and identify devices involved in data transmission.

Types of IP addresses

There are two basic types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6.

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is the most common IP address format, which consists of four numbers separated by dots (e.g. 192.168.0.1). Each number can range from 0 to 255, creating over 4 billion unique addresses. However, due to the rapid growth in the number of devices connected to the Internet, this amount has become insufficient.

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is a more modern IP address format that was created to address the address shortage in IPv4. It consists of eight groups of numbers and letters separated by colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). Unlike IPv4, IPv6 offers a huge number of unique addresses – over 340 undecillion (that’s 340 with 36 zeros).

Why do I need an IP address?

An IP address performs several important functions:

  • Device Identification: The IP address identifies which device is involved in communication on the network.
  • Traffic routing: Thanks to an IP address, data can be sent from one point on the network to another. When you request a web page, your IP address indicates where the data from the server should be sent.
  • Localization: The IP address may contain information about the geographical location of the device and the ISP providing the connection.

Public and private IP address

IP addresses are divided into public and private:

A public IP address is a unique address that is used to identify a device on the global Internet. Your Internet Service Provider assigns you a public IP address that is visible to everyone on the Internet.

A private IP address is an address used in local networks (e.g. home or office networks). It is not visible on the Internet and is used for communication within the network. For example, your computer, smartphone, and printer may have private IP addresses that allow them to communicate with each other within your home network.

Dynamic and static IP address

IP addresses can be dynamic or static:

A dynamic IP address is a temporary address that is automatically assigned to your device each time you connect to a network. Most users get dynamic IP addresses from their Internet Service Provider.

A static IP address is a permanent address that does not change with each connection. Static IP addresses are often used for servers and other devices that need a permanent connection to a specific IP.

In conclusion, an IP address is a fundamental part of the Internet infrastructure that identifies and routes data between devices on a network. Understanding what an IP address is and how it works helps you better understand how the Internet works and how information is transmitted over the network.