What Is an IP Address? IPv4, IPv6, Public vs Private

Back to Help & Documentation

Understanding IP Addresses

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique numerical identifier assigned to a device connected to a network. It allows devices to communicate with each other over local networks and the internet. Every device — including laptops, phones, servers, and routers — uses an IP address to send and receive data.

Why Do We Need IP Addresses?

Without IP addresses, data packets would not know where to go. IP addresses serve two essential roles:

🔍Identification— identifies a device on a network📍Location— determines where data should be sent

What Does an IP Address Look Like?

There are two main versions of IP addresses:

IPv4 Address

IPv4 is the most common format. It consists of four numbers (0–255) separated by dots, totalling 32 bits.

IPv4 Example
192.168.1.1
🔢32-bit4 octets separated by dots~4.3 billion possible addresses

IPv6 Address

IPv6 was created because IPv4 addresses are running out. It uses hexadecimal notation and is 128 bits long.

IPv6 Example
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
🔢128-bitHexadecimal format340 undecillion possible addresses

Public vs Private IP Addresses

Public IP Address

  • Assigned by your ISP
  • Used to communicate on the internet
  • Visible to external servers
  • Example: 8.8.8.8

Private IP Address

  • Used inside local networks (LAN)
  • Not directly accessible from the internet
  • Assigned by your router
  • Common ranges:
    10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255
    172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255
    192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255

Static vs Dynamic IP Address

Feature
Static IP
Dynamic IP
Changes?
Never
Periodically
Assigned by
Manual / ISP
DHCP
Used for
Servers, hosting
Home users

How IP Addresses Work

When you visit a website, here is what happens:

  1. 1You enter a domain name (e.g. example.com)
  2. 2DNS translates it into an IP address
  3. 3Your device sends packets to that IP address
  4. 4Routers forward the packets to the correct destination
  5. 5The server responds to your IP address

IP Address vs MAC Address

Feature
IP Address
MAC Address
OSI Layer
Layer 3 (Network)
Layer 2 (Data Link)
Purpose
Routing across networks
Local device identification
Assigned By
ISP / Router
Manufacturer
Changes?
Yes (dynamic possible)
Usually fixed

IP addresses handle routing between networks. MAC addresses handle delivery inside local networks.

Learn more about MAC addresses →

How to Find Your IP Address

Find Your Local IP

Windows
ipconfig
macOS / Linux
ifconfigorip addr

Find Your Public IP

🌐 Use our tool to instantly see your public IP address, ISP, and location:

My IP Address Tool →

What Is Subnetting?

Subnetting divides a large network into smaller sub-networks. For example, 192.168.1.0/24 means the first 24 bits identify the network and the remaining bits identify individual hosts. Subnetting improves network organization, security, and efficiency.

Subnet Example
192.168.1.0/24
├── Network:   192.168.1.0
├── Hosts:     192.168.1.1 – 192.168.1.254
└── Broadcast: 192.168.1.255

Why IPv6 Is Important

IPv4 provides approximately 4.3 billion addresses — a number that has effectively run out. IPv6 provides 340 undecillion addresses, ensuring long-term internet scalability as the number of connected devices continues to grow.

Summary

  • An IP address is a unique identifier for devices on a network
  • IPv4 (32-bit) and IPv6 (128-bit) are the two main versions
  • Public IPs are assigned by ISPs; private IPs are used inside LANs
  • Static IPs don't change; dynamic IPs are assigned by DHCP
  • IP addresses enable routing; MAC addresses handle local delivery

FAQ

Back to Help & Documentation🔍 Check Your IP Address