What is an IP Address?
Devices connected to the internet rely on IP addresses to communicate and exchange data with another device. It’s a unique identifier that ensures smooth communication and data transmission between devices across the internet or a local network.
Understanding IP addresses is essential for individuals and businesses alike. It plays a crucial role in basic internet use, network management, and cybersecurity. In this article, we’ll discuss what is an IP address and its significance today.
What’s an IP address?
IP address stands for Internet Protocol address and is a set of numbers that allows devices on the internet to send and receive data. Every device has a unique IP address.
For example, an IP address can look like “192.0.2.126”. But some IP addresses might use colons instead of periods. It depends on the IP version.
There are two versions of IP addresses, the IPv4 and IPv6. The example above is a visual representation of what an IPv4 looks like. It’s an older version of an IP address and uses a 32-bit structure that allows for over 4 billion unique addresses.
IPv6, on the other hand, uses a 128-bit structure. It’s the most recent IP version that provides an almost unlimited supply of addresses. It looks like this, 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:733.
How IP addresses work
Like humans, computers communicate with each other by speaking the same language. However, they talk to each other through numbers or IP addresses instead of words.
The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) is a governing body that oversees the production and allocation of IP addresses. IANA distributes blocks of IP addresses to Regional Internet Registries (RIR), who then assign them to your local Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
When your device connects to your ISP, the ISP assigns it a unique IP address. As you access a website or online service, servers will use your IP address to locate your device and deliver your requested content.
But your IP address isn’t static. Your IP address can change. When traveling, you’ll obtain a different IP address according to your location and the network you connect to.
Types of IP addresses
There are different types of IP addresses, and each one accommodates various networking needs and functionalities. Each type serves specific purposes, ensuring that they meet the growing demands of the internet and local networks effectively.
Consumer IP address
Consumer IP addresses refer to every individual’s or business’s IP address. IP addresses come in two types: private IP and public IP address.
Private IP address
Your home network uses your Private IP address, also known as local IP address, to identify devices within your local network. Private IP addresses don’t connect directly to the internet and are not visible online.
Each device within your local network has its own unique private IP address. This way, your home network can direct the right traffic to the correct device.
Public IP address
Your public IP address is what connects to the internet directly and is visible online. ISPs assign public IP addresses to your router, which makes it possible for it to communicate with other servers on the internet.
Public IP addresses come in two types: dynamic IP address and static IP address.
Dynamic IP address
Dynamic IP addresses are public IP addresses that change periodically. ISPs typically buy a large pool of IP addresses. They re-assign IP addresses regularly and put the older IP addresses into the pool again for other customers.
Dynamic IP addresses are cost-effective, allowing ISPs to manage a limited number of IP addresses by reusing them as devices go offline.
It’s also beneficial to use a dynamic IP address. Changing IP addresses makes it harder for potential attackers to track a device.
Static IP address
As its name suggests, static IP addresses are static addresses. They stay the same until they’re manually changed.
This type of public IP address is ideal for businesses that require a permanent address. Static IP addresses offer better reliability for businesses that need consistent access to their devices or networks.
IP addresses for websites
Like each device, websites also have their own IP addresses. This way, when users enter a domain name, they’ll be redirected to the correct site.
Websites use two types of IP addresses: shared IP addresses and dedicated IP addresses. Websites on a shared server will have a shared IP address. While a website with a dedicated server gets their own IP address. A dedicated IP address also allows direct access to a site through its IP address alone.
How to find your IP address
Finding your IP address varies depending on the type of IP address you’re looking for.
You can look for your public IP address easily by searching “What is my IP address?” on Google.
You’ll see your IP address at the top of the page. In other cases, you might have to scroll down a bit to see it.
If you’re looking for your private IP address, the process is going to be slightly different based on your operating system (OS).
Finding your IP on Windows devices
For Windows users, go to the Windows search bar and type “cmd.” Click on the Command Prompt. This will open a pop-up box. Then, type “ipconfig” to find your IP address.
Finding your IP on Mac devices
For Mac users, select Network in the System Preferences. You should immediately see your IP address.
Phone
Just like using a desktop device, finding your private IP address on your mobile device will depend on your phone’s OS.
Android
For Android users, go to your Wi-Fi settings. Click on the Network’s name. Click “view more.” Here, you’ll find your IP address along with other information related to your network connection.
iPhone
For iPhone users, go to settings and click on Wi-Fi. Click your Network’s name to open its information. Your IP address should appear once you’re in your network details.
IP address security threats
IP addresses are essential for internet communication. However, it also exposes your device or network to different online threats.
DDoS attack
The most common cyber assault is the distributed denial of service (DDoS). Cybercriminals conduct a DDoS attack to overwhelm a website, device, or network. They do this by flooding a website with high traffic from highly infested machines.
This type of attack usually targets businesses. However, individuals like online gamers and streamers are prone to a DDoS attack since their IP addresses are visible through their screens.
IP spoofing
IP spoofing involves the forging of IP addresses. Hackers will hack your IP address and use it for malicious purposes, such as downloading pirated music, movies, and videos with sensitive content.
IP spoofing can breach your ISP’s terms of use, which could attract the attention of law enforcement.
Online stalking
Any activities online can reveal your IP address. If your IP address is not protected, hackers can use it to track your location.
It’s important to note that a person cannot track your exact address, only locate the general area you’re in. However, with the help of hacking and social media platforms, they could successfully find your home.
How to protect your IP address
Safeguarding your IP address is crucial for maintaining privacy. Here are some effective strategies to protect your IP address.
Use proxy servers
A proxy server acts as a middleman between your device and the internet. A proxy server routes your online activity to a different server. This way, when you visit a website, the site will only see the proxy server rather than your actual IP address.
However, some proxies will spy on you. So, it’s important to choose a reliable and reputable one.
Use VPN
A VPN or virtual private network hides your IP address by routing traffic through secure servers from different regions. VPNs also prevent your Internet Service Provider and hackers from monitoring your activities online.
Using a VPN is beneficial in the following situations.
- When using a public WI-FI
- When traveling to a foreign country
- When working remotely
- When you want some privacy
Avoid malicious contents
Completely avoiding untrusted websites can protect your IP address. Simply clicking on unknown links can already expose your IP address, so it’s best to avoid them in general.
Avoid downloading suspicious files as well. Hackers often embed malware in downloadable content to track your IP, steal data, and launch attacks.
Use an antivirus solution
A reliable antivirus solution can help you detect and remove malware and block malicious programs that aim to exploit your IP address.
For website owners, integrating SiteLock into your website will help you encrypt your data and prevent it from exposure. This goes beyond protecting your website; it also protects your customers’ data.
Stay secure online with Domain.com
Learning more about IP addresses and how to protect them is one step closer to a safer online journey. Understanding digital security empowers you to take charge of your privacy and security.
Explore Domain.com to find out more about your online security. With comprehensive guides and extensive knowledge-based articles, Domain.com helps you stay informed and secure while surfing the internet.
Frequently asked questions
Every device connected to your WI-FI router will have its own private IP address. Your router will also have its own public IP address to navigate the internet.
Yes. You can block an IP address, especially if that address is unusual and is causing suspicious traffic.
Devices in different internal networks can have the same private IP address. However, there are no devices that share the same public IP addresses.
Your private IP address can start with 10.x.x.x, 192.168.x.x, and 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255. You can check your private IP address through your device’s settings.
No. Although your IP address links to a geographical location, it’s not specific enough to find you.