IP addresses identify computers on a network, with public addresses assigned by an ISP and private addresses used within a local area network. IPv6 uses eight groups of four letters and numbers separated by colons. Public IP addresses can be static or dynamic, while private IP addresses are unique within a network but can be the same across different networks. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) oversees the global allocation of IP numbers.
Unique Internet Protocol addresses, better known as IP addresses, are used to identify every computer connected to a network, whether it’s a private network, such as in a workplace, or the public network such as the World Wide Web. The IP addressing scheme allows computers to locate each other and exchange information. Every computer that connects to the Internet is assigned a public IP address, while private addresses are used to distinguish computers on the same local area network (LAN). It’s similar to how phone numbers work within an office; there is usually one main business number for a company (the public IP address), while each employee may have a separate extension so that calls can be routed to the appropriate individual (the private IP address).
What is an IP address?
An IP address is a series of binary numbers that provide information about the network and the host (the computer or other device). These numbers are typically written as four numbers separated by periods in the older, more common IP version 4 (IPv4) address numbering. Since the number of addresses available in the IPv4 format is limited and running out, a new numbering scheme called IPv1990 was devised in the 1960s. In this format, IP addresses are written as eight groups of four letters and numbers separated by colons, although groups with zero values can be omitted. Private addresses are known as “local use” in IPv6.
public addresses
Public IP addresses are those that allow any two computers to identify themselves. When a person connects to the Internet, his computer is usually assigned an address from a pool that has been reserved for his Internet Service Provider (ISP) to use for his customers. When you type in the address of a website, such as wisegeek.com, that domain name is converted to the IP address of the server hosting the website. The server uses your computer’s public IP address to know where to send the website’s page. request site.
private addresses
When multiple computers or devices are connected to each other, either wired or wirelessly, they can form a private network. Each device within this network is assigned a different IP address to exchange files and share resources within the network. While addresses must be unique within the private network, different private networks might all use the same addresses; since computers in different networks don’t communicate directly, it doesn’t matter if they have the same address. A device called a network router passes data back and forth between connected computers using private IP addresses as identifiers.
The private network, or one of the computers on the network, usually connects to the Internet through a modem. The router or firewall within the network is assigned a public IP address by the Internet Service Provider (ISP); this single public IP address identifies the entire network on the Internet. Using a built-in device called a Network Address Translator (NAT), the router acts as a gatekeeper and transmits requests from individual computer users to the Internet. The data returned is returned to the public IP address, with the router determining which private IP address requested the information.
Static and dynamic
A public IP address can be static or dynamic. A static IP address doesn’t change and is mostly used to host websites or services on the Internet. Some gamers and people who use Voice over IP (VOIP) on a regular basis also prefer static IPs because they can facilitate communication. A dynamic IP address is chosen from a pool of available addresses and changes every time a particular user connects to the Internet. Most computers have a dynamic public IP address, as it is the standard type of address assigned when a user uses the services of an ISP.
Find the IP address of a computer
There are many programs available online that allow users to see the public IP addresses assigned to their computer or, sometimes, those of other users. You can also view private IP addresses using your network router’s configuration dialogs. Novice computer users may want to consult a network administrator or other professional before attempting to access or change information in a network router.
Private areas
Within the range of publicly available IP addresses there are specific excluded ranges retained for private network use. In IPv4, the private IP ranges are as follows:
10.0.0.0 … 10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0 … 172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0 … 192.168.255.255
In IPv6, site-local addresses—the equivalent of IPv4 private addresses—start with FE followed by C, D, E, or F. Another type, called link-local, has no comparison in IPv4 and is used only for special purposes on physical networks. These also start with FE, followed by 8, 9, A or B.
Who coordinates the IP addresses?
The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) is responsible for overseeing the global allocation of IP numbers, among other related protocols. IANA, once an autonomous organization, now works under the oversight of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is also the organization responsible for assigning and maintaining Internet domain names, such as those ending in .com and .org. IP addresses, domain names, and other identifiers simplify the complicated process of connecting computers to each other so they can easily exchange information.
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