Unique Internet Protocol addresses, better known as IP addresses, are used to identify each computer connected to a network, whether it’s a private network, such as at a workplace, or the public network that is the World Wide Web. The IP addressing scheme makes it possible for computers to locate each other and exchange information. A public IP address is assigned to each computer that connects to the Internet, while private addresses are used to distinguish between computers on the same local area network (LAN). It’s similar to the way 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 person (the private IP address).
IP addresses identify each computer.
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 usually written as four numbers separated by dots in the older IP version 4 (IPv4) address numbering that is more common. As the number of addresses available in IPv4 format is limited and running out, a new numbering scheme called IPv6 was developed in the 1990s. In this format, IP addresses are written as eight groups of four letters and numbers separated by colons, although groups with a value of zero can be omitted. Private addresses are known as “use local” in IPv6.
The IP addressing scheme makes it possible for computers to locate each other and exchange information.
public addresses
Public IP addresses are those that allow two computers to identify each other. When a person connects to the Internet, their computer is usually assigned an address from a pool that has been reserved for their Internet Service Provider (ISP) to use for their customers. When you type in a website address, such as wisegeek.com, that domain name becomes the IP address of the server that hosts the website. The server uses the public IP address of the computer to know where to send the requested website page.
private addresses
When multiple computers or devices are connected to each other, either wired or wireless, they can form a private network. Each device on this network is assigned a different IP address to exchange files and share resources on the network. Although the addresses must be unique on the private network, different private networks can use the same addresses; Since computers on different networks don’t communicate directly, it doesn’t matter if they have the same address. A device called a network router passes data between connected computers using private IP addresses as identifiers.
The private network, or one of the computers on the network, is usually connected to the Internet through a modem. The network’s router or firewall receives a public IP address from 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 passes requests from individual computer users to the Internet. The returned data is returned to the public IP address, and the router determines which private IP address requested the information.
Static and Dynamic
A public IP address can be static or dynamic. The static IP address does not change and is mainly used to host websites or services on the Internet. Some gamers and people who use voice over IP (VOIP) regularly also prefer static IP addresses because they can make communication easier. A dynamic IP address is chosen from a pool of available addresses and changes each time a given user connects to the Internet. Most computers have a dynamic public IP address, as it is the standard type of address that is 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 view the public IP addresses assigned to their computer, or sometimes those of other users. It is also possible to view private IP addresses using the 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 on a network router.
private ranges
Within the range of publicly available IP addresses, there are specific excluded ranges withheld 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, begin with FE followed by C, D, E, or F. Another type, called link-local, is unparalleled in IPv4 and is only used for special purposes . purposes in 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 assignment of IP numbers, among other related protocols. IANA, once an autonomous organization, now works under the supervision 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.
