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What is an IP Address? Types, Example, Computer Network

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An Internet Protocol address, or IP address, is a unique number that is linked to every device on a computer network that communicates via the Internet Protocol. It accomplishes two primary functions: it locates the device within the network and identifies the host or network interface. For devices to connect with one another and for data packets to be routed across networks, IP addresses are necessary.

Types of IP Addresses

  1. IPv4 Address: The most common type of IP address used today. It consists of a 32-bit number typically expressed as four decimal numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1).

  2. IPv6 Address: A newer type of IP address designed to replace IPv4 due to address exhaustion. It consists of a 128-bit number expressed as eight groups of hexadecimal digits separated by colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).

Example of an IP Address

  • An example of an IPv4 address: 192.168.0.1
  • An example of an IPv6 address: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

Step-by-Step Process in a Computer Network

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how IP addresses work within a computer network:

  1. Device Connection: When a device (e.g., computer, smartphone) connects to a network (local or internet), it is assigned an IP address.

  2. IP Address Assignment:

    • Dynamic IP Address: Assigned temporarily from a pool of available addresses by a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. This IP address may change over time or when the device reconnects to the network.
    • Static IP Address: Assigned manually to a device and remains unchanged unless manually reconfigured.

  3. Addressing and Routing:

    • Each device on the network has a unique IP address.
    • Data packets transmitted over the network include both source and destination IP addresses.
    • Routers and switches use IP addresses to forward data packets to the correct destination based on routing tables.

  4. Subnetting:

    • Networks are divided into smaller subnetworks called subnets.
    • Subnet masks are used to define the network and host portions of an IP address.

  5. Protocols:

    • IP addresses are used in conjunction with other networking protocols (e.g., TCP, UDP) to ensure reliable and efficient data transmission.

  6. DNS Resolution:

    • Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses.
    • When you type a URL into a web browser, DNS servers are queried to find the corresponding IP address.

  7. Security:

    • IP addresses are used in firewalls and other security measures to control access and filter network traffic.

“In summary, IP addresses play a fundamental role in computer networking by providing a means to uniquely identify and locate devices on a network. They enable communication between devices and facilitate the routing of data across the internet and local networks. Understanding IP addressing is essential for anyone working with computer networks or internet technologies”

FAQ's

IP stands for “Internet Protocol,” which is the set of rules governing the format of data sent via the internet or local network. In essence, IP addresses are the identifier that allows information to be sent between devices on a network: they contain location information and make devices accessible for communication.
 
How do IP Addresses Work? An IP address allows computers to send and receive data over the internet. Most IP addresses are purely numerical, but as internet usage grows, letters have been added to some addresses. There are four different types of IP addresses: public, private, static, and dynamic.
 
An IP address (short for internet protocol address) is a numerical label that identifies your device and your device’s general geographic location. The internet uses IP addresses to differentiate among all the different internet websites, devices, and networks, and it couldn’t operate without IP addresses.
An IP address is a 32-bit number. It uniquely identifies a host (computer or other device, such as a printer or router) on a TCP/IP network. IP addresses are normally expressed in dotted-decimal format, with four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.123.132.
IP addresses are unique identifiers used to communicate with devices connected to a network. Different types of IP addresses have their own unique characteristics and uses. Read the article to learn more about types of IP addresses, including IPv4, IPv6, public, private, dynamic, and static IP addresses.
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