What is an IP Address?
An IP address (short for Internet Protocol address) is your computer’s unique identity. And, similar to a fingerprint or a snowflake, no two IP addresses are alike. They’re on computers, but they’re also on tablets and smartphones.
An IP address is formed from a series of numbers separated by periods. An IP address comprises four digits; 192.168.100.1 is an example address. IP addresses aren’t assigned at irregular intervals.
The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), a subsidiary of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, manages the Industry’s designated figures, and creates and assigns numerical identifiers (ICANN). ICANN is a quasi-organization based in the United States founded in 1998 to help keep the internet safe and accessible. When a person registers a domain name on the internet, they do so through a domain name registrar, who pays ICANN a small fee. Let us take a look at these IP addresses.
How do IP addresses work?
Different devices and networks require a connection mechanism for the internet to function correctly. While we, as humans, name our devices (e.g., Suzy’s iPhone or Joe’s Computer) and access websites using domain names (e.g., www.hostgator.com), the computers we use to make those connections use IP addresses to identify one other. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), the communication system that defines all the rules and processes by which devices connect to the internet and communicate data with one other, is hardwired into any device connected to the internet.
That is their language, and these unique identity numbers are an essential component of how they comprehend and communicate with one another. When a person uses their computer to view a website, the device must be able to determine where the website is located and get all of the website’s component elements.
The computer talks with its network router, which connects to the server where the website is hosted to access the website’s data. Each piece of equipment in this process—the computer, router, and server—has its IP address, which the other devices use to identify it.
Based on those IP addresses, the machines know which website to pull up and which computer to deliver to.
Types of IP Addresses
IP addresses are divided into four categories:
- Public
- Private
- Static
- Dynamic.
Public and private lessons depending on the network’s location. Personal IP addresses should be used within a network, while public IP addresses should be used outside of a network.
Let’s take a look at these IP address groups.
IP addresses available to the public:
A public IP address is a single primary address assigned to your entire network. Each connected device has the same IP address using this sort of IP address. Your ISP assigns this sort of public IP address to your router.
Private IP Addresses
A private IP address is a one-of-a-kind IP address provided to any device that connects to your home internet network, including computers, tablets, and cell phones used in your home. It’s also likely to contain any Bluetooth devices you use, such as printers or printers, intelligent gadgets such as TVs, etc. The number of private IP addresses you are likely to have in your house increases as the internet of things (IoT) business grows.
Static IP Addresses
Static IP addresses are reliable and stable, as they do not change over time. An IP address that cannot be modified is static. A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server will assign a dynamic IP address, subject to change. Although a static IP address does not change, it can be changed as part of regular network administration. This sort of IP may also assist you in obtaining a great deal of information about a device.
Dynamic IP address:
Dynamic IP addresses are continually changing. It is a temporary cookie assigned to a device each time it connects to the internet. It’s a temporary cookie set to a device each time it relates to the internet. It’s only operational for a certain length of time.
How to Get Your IP Address Using a Mac:
System Preferences > Network > Apple menu > Depending on your connection, choose WiFi or Ethernet > your IP address will appear in the open window, immediately beneath the status of your relationship.
On a Windows 10 computer
select WiFi or Ethernet from the taskbar > then click on the network you’re presently connected to >Select Properties, and your IP address will appear next to “IPv4 address.” On an Android phone or tablet, do the following: Select the WiFi network that you’re connected to in Settings > Wireless & Networks (or “Network & Internet” on Pixel devices) > Your IP address is displayed with other network details. If you are using an iPad or iPhone, you can accomplish the following: Settings > WiFi > tap the arrowhead next to your home network > your IP address is shown to the side of “IP address.”
