IP addresses are a key part of the Internet, and they’re important for understanding how things work on the web. In the same way a phone number lets you communicate with another person, an IP address identifies your device and allows it to connect to other devices on a network.
An IP address is a unique number that identifies your computer 192.168.100.1 change wifi password, laptop, tablet, router, and other devices that connect to the Internet. There are billions of IP addresses across the world, and they’re used to identify every device that’s connected to a global network.
There are two main types of IP addresses in use today: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 is a 32-bit format that has room for up to 4 billion addresses, while IPv6 is a 128-bit format with space for 2128 uniquely identifying addresses.
The IANA (Internet Assigned Number Authority) assigns blocks of IP addresses, distributing them to five regional registries that then distribute them to Internet service providers and other end-users. In addition to regional registries, many Internet providers also assign their own individual IP addresses.
Most Internet users don’t have an idea of how their IP addresses are assigned. These addresses are dynamic, meaning they change frequently. Public IP addresses, which are assigned by Internet providers, typically last 14 days. Private IP addresses, which are assigned by routers, generally last 24 hours.
Having a good understanding of how your IP address is assigned to you is crucial for knowing your internet security. It can help you find out how to block unwanted websites, keep hackers out of your network, and even protect yourself from malware attacks on your PC.
IPv4 has 32 bits, and is still the most common form of Internet addressing. It can handle up to 4 billion devices, and is the standard addressing system for computers, printers, mobile phones, game consoles, and other devices that connect to the Internet.
The latest version of Internet addressing, IPv6, uses 128 bits and can support trillions of devices. It’s been around since January 1983, and is more widely used than IPv4.
There are two basic types of IP address: private and public. A private IP address is a specialized address that only a single device can see, and a public IP address is the number your Internet provider assigns to your home or business network.
Private IP addresses are generated by your router when it detects a device on the local network that needs a specific address. These addresses can be used to send data between your local computers, smart TVs, and other devices on your network, like printers and speakers.
Each hardware component on your router has a unique MAC address, which is used to assign private IP addresses to that specific piece of equipment. For example, the MAC address of your wireless router is 192.168.2.251, and your printer’s MAC address is 203.136.63.203.
In the case of public IP addresses, you can see your internet service provider’s public IP address when you access their website or check your IP address in PureVPN’s IP checker tool. Your public IP address is an identifier that reveals your location when you use the Internet, but it won’t reveal your name or address.