What Is an IP Address?

What Is an IP Address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique numerical identifier assigned to devices connected to a network, enabling devices to communicate with each other over the internet or local networks. IP addresses serve as addresses for network communication, allowing devices to send and receive data packets.

IP addresses come in two versions: IPv4 (32-bit addresses like 192.0.2.1) and IPv6 (128-bit addresses like 2001:db8::1). IP addresses can be public (routable on internet) or private (used within local networks).

IP addresses are essential for internet communication - without IP addresses, devices cannot communicate over networks. Learn more about IPv4 vs IPv6 and finding your public IP.

IP Address Purpose

1. Device Identification

IP addresses uniquely identify devices on networks, enabling devices to distinguish each other and route data correctly.

2. Network Communication

IP addresses enable network communication by providing addresses for data packets to be sent and received.

3. Routing

IP addresses enable network routing, allowing routers to forward data packets to correct destinations.

4. Internet Connectivity

IP addresses are essential for internet connectivity - devices need IP addresses to access internet services.

5. Service Access

IP addresses enable access to network services (web servers, email servers) by providing device addresses.

IPv4 vs IPv6

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4)

IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses (e.g., 192.0.2.1), providing approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses. IPv4 is the most widely used IP version but is running out of addresses.

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)

IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (e.g., 2001:db8::1), providing virtually unlimited addresses. IPv6 is the successor to IPv4, designed to address IPv4 address exhaustion.

Key Differences

• IPv4: 32-bit addresses, limited address space
• IPv6: 128-bit addresses, vast address space
• IPv4: Dotted decimal notation (192.0.2.1)
• IPv6: Hexadecimal notation (2001:db8::1)

Adoption

IPv4 is still dominant, but IPv6 adoption is increasing. Many networks support both IPv4 and IPv6 (dual-stack). Learn more about IPv4 vs IPv6.

IP Address Types

Public IP Address

Public IP addresses are routable on the internet, enabling devices to communicate with internet services. Public IPs are unique globally and assigned by ISPs. Learn more about public IP addresses.

Private IP Address

Private IP addresses are used within local networks (LANs), not routable on internet. Private IPs enable local network communication. Learn more about private IP addresses.

Static IP Address

Static IP addresses don't change, providing consistent addresses for devices or services.

Dynamic IP Address

Dynamic IP addresses change periodically, assigned by DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). Learn more about IP address changes.

Finding Your IP Address

1. Public IP Address

Find your public IP address using our What Is My IP tool or online IP lookup services.

2. Private IP Address

Find private IP address using: Windows (ipconfig), Linux/Mac (ifconfig), or network settings.

3. Command Line

Use command-line tools: ipconfig (Windows), ifconfig (Linux/Mac), or ip addr (Linux).

4. Network Settings

Check network settings in operating system to view IP address configuration.

5. Router Configuration

Check router configuration to view IP addresses assigned to devices on local network.