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What is IP in computer?

Published in Internet Protocol Address 3 mins read

An IP, or Internet Protocol, in computers refers to the unique numeric address assigned to every device that connects to the internet.

Understanding IP Addresses

An IP address serves as an identifier for devices communicating over the internet. Think of it like a postal address for your computer or phone on the internet. It is an essential part of how data is routed and delivered across the web.

Key Characteristics of IP Addresses

  • Unique Identification: Each device connected to the internet is given a unique IP address. This helps in identifying and locating the device.
  • Numeric Label: As highlighted in the reference, an IP address is a numeric label assigned to devices using the internet. These labels enable communication between devices.
  • Communication Enabler: Devices use IP addresses to establish connections, send, and receive data packets on the internet.
  • Routing Information: IP addresses contain the necessary routing information. This information directs data to the correct destination across different networks.

Types of IP Addresses

IP addresses come in two primary formats:

  1. IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4): These addresses consist of four sets of numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1). IPv4 is the older system and is limited in the number of unique addresses it can provide.
  2. IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6): To address the limitations of IPv4, IPv6 was developed. It uses a more complex hexadecimal format (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). IPv6 provides a significantly larger number of unique addresses.

IP Address in Action

Here is how IP addresses work in practical scenarios:

  • Browsing a Website: When you enter a website address (URL) in your browser, your computer sends a request with its IP address to the website's server. The server identifies your device through its IP, retrieves the website content, and sends it back to your computer.
  • Sending Emails: When you send an email, your email client sends it with your IP address. This is so that the recipient's email server knows where to send the reply.
  • Online Gaming: IP addresses help players connect to a game server. Additionally, the server can track players within the game using their addresses.

Practical Insights

  • Dynamic vs. Static IPs: Most home networks use dynamic IP addresses, which are temporary and assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Static IP addresses remain constant and are often used by servers.
  • IP Address Privacy: Your IP address can reveal your general location. Tools like VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) can help to hide your actual IP address for privacy.
  • Finding Your IP Address: You can find your device's public IP address by searching "what is my IP" on any search engine.

Summary

In summary, an IP address is the unique identifying number assigned to every device connected to the internet, as stated in the provided reference. It facilitates communication, routing, and identification across the internet.