WHAT IS AN IP ADDRESS?

An Internet Protocol address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. An IP address serves two main functions: host or network interface identification and location addressing.

An IP address is a unique address that identifies a device on the internet or a local network. IP stands for “Internet Protocol,” which is the set of rules governing the format of data sent via the internet or local network. … The internet needs a way to differentiate between different computers, routers, and websites.You visited this page on

BASIC FACTS ABOUT IP ADDRESS

The “IP” part of IP address stands for “Internet Protocol.” The “address” part refers to a unique number that gets linked to all online activity you do…somewhat like a return address on a letter you’d send out. (All this happens in milliseconds.)

That’s the end of today’s lesson. At least it should be.

Because from this point on, it gets complicated fast. And confusing. Information technology (IT) is crazy stuff and it’s best left to those who have to deal with computers and networks.

Still, we’re all on the Internet these days, and it seems we’re always connected through our personal computers, laptops or mobile devices. And every time you go on the Internet, an IP address is right there, working for you.

And with so much obscure information (and misinformation) out there about the IP address, it’s helpful to know the basics.

Private and Public IP Address Ranges

Certain IP addresses are reserved for public use and others for private use. This is what makes private IP addresses unable to reach the public internet because they aren’t able to communicate properly unless they exist behind a router.

The following ranges are reserved by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) for use as private IPv4 addresses:

• 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
• 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
• 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255

Excluding the addresses above, public IP addresses range from 1 to 191.

The 192.x.x.x addresses aren’t registered publicly, which means they can only be used behind a router as private IP addresses. This range is where most private IP addresses fall, which is why the default IP address for most link cisco  and NETGEAR routers is an IP within this set, such as 198.168.1.1

IPv6 address space is so large that the need for a private IP isn’t in demand. However, there is a special unique unicast IP range of fc00::/7. This range is global, though.

How to Find Your Public IP Address

You don’t need to know your public IP address most of the time, but there are situations where having it is important or even necessary, such as access your network, or a computer within it when you’re away from home or your business.

The most basic example would be when you’re using a remote access program. If you’re in a hotel room in Shanghai, but need to “remote in” to your computer at home in Denver, you’ll need to know the internet-accessible IP address (the public IP address your home router uses) so you can instruct that software to connect to the right place.

System Info Tool

Tap or click “Check Now” and we’ll automatically determine your IP address, ISP, browser, operating system, and other basic information about your device.

You’ve got connections.

Your computer is hooked up to the Internet, one way or the other. When you go online for email, to shop or chat, your request has to be sent out to the right destination, and the responses and information you want need to come back directly to you.

An IP address plays a significant role in that.

You and your computer actually connect to the Internet indirectly: You first connect to a network that is 1) connected to the Internet itself and 2) grants or gives you access to the Internet.

That network might be your Internet service provider (ISP) at home, or a company network at work, or a wireless network at a hotel or coffee shop when you’re on the road. But with millions of computers on the Internet, how can your single computer jump right in and get you your work or personal emails and more without any problems?

Protocols are Protocols

To make sure you can do your thing on the Internet, your computer’s networking software is hardwired to follow a list of built-in networking standards and rules (yes, protocols) to connect to Internet, and to swap information and data back and forth.

One of those networking protocols on your computer, the Internet Protocol, is responsible for addressing, delivering and routing your online requests precisely. It attaches an “electronic return address” to all your online requests and activity for you. The address it uses is the IP address for your connection.

So long, IP address. It was nice while it lasted.

When you’re at home, an IP address is assigned to your computer by your Internet service provider (think Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, or AT&T). Since they are the ones giving you access to the Internet, it’s their role to assign an IP address to your computer. Your Internet activity goes through them, and they route it back to you, using your IP address.

But don’t get attached to it. Don’t tattoo your IP address to your arm, because it’s not really yours. Even at home it can change if you do something as simple as turn your modem or router on and off. Or you can contact your Internet service provider and they can change it for you.

You can’t take it with you.

Plus, if you go on vacation and take along your laptop, your home IP address doesn’t go with you. It can’t, because on vacation you’ll be using another network to connect to the Internet.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC IP ADDRESS

Private IP Address and Public IP Address are used to uniquely identify a machine on the internet. Private IP address is used with a local network and public IP address is used outside the network. Public IP address is provided by ISP, Internet Service Provider.

Following are the important differences between Private IP Address and Public IP Address.

Sr. No.	Key	Private IP Address	Public IP Address
1	Scope	Private IP address scope is local to present network.	Public IP address scope is global.
2	Communication	Private IP Address is used to communicate within the network.	Public IP Address is used to communicate outside the network.
3	Format	Private IP Addresses differ in a uniform manner.	Public IP Addresses differ in varying range.
4	Provider	Local Network Operator creates private IP addresses using network operating system.	ISP, Internet Service Provider controls the public IP address.
5	Cost	Private IP Addresses are free of cost.	Public IP Address comes with a cost.
6	Locate	Private IP Address can be located using ipconfig command.	Public IP Address needs to be searched on search engine like google.
7	Range	Private IP Address range:10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255, 172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255, 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255	Except private IP Addresses, rest IP addresses are public.
8	Example	Private IP Address is like 192.168.11.50.	Public IP Address is like 17.5.7.8.

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