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IP Address

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a string of numbers that is given to every device connected to a network. Your device gets a unique IP address whenever it connects to a network, whether it’s through a landline, Wi-Fi, mobile data, or a local network. In short, an IP address allows different devices to communicate with one another.

For example, on a smartphone, you get two different IP addresses: one when you’re connected to your carrier’s 4G network, and another when you’re connected to your home Wi-Fi.

Types of IP Addresses

There are two types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 is made up of four numbers separated by periods (192.168.1.1). Though it’s older, it remains the preferred one. IPv6, on the other hand, is the newer format, which uses longer strings with numbers and letters, separated by colons (2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).

IPs are either static or dynamic. Static ones don’t change, and are usually assigned to devices like servers. Dynamic IPs change from time to time and are assigned automatically to devices such as home appliances or smart gadgets.