In the digital age, understanding the basics of internet connectivity is crucial for navigating the complexities of our interconnected world.
At the heart of this connectivity is a fundamental component known as the Internet Protocol (IP) address.
Every device that connects to the Internet, from personal computers to smartphones, is assigned a unique IP address.
This address acts as a digital fingerprint, ensuring accurate communication and data transfer across the global network.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of IP addresses.
We’ll explore what they are, how they work, and why they are essential for everyday users and IT professionals.
Whether you’re curious about the difference between static and dynamic IPs, interested in the transition from IPv4 to IPv6, or looking to understand how IP addresses can impact your online privacy and security, this article will provide a foundational understanding of these critical numerical labels.
Join us as we demystify the technical jargon and provide you with the knowledge you need to navigate the internet confidently.
IP Address (Internet Protocol Address)
This number is unique on all computer devices (printers, routers, modems, etc.), which identify and allow mutual communication on a computer network.
There is also a communication standard called the Internet Protocol (IP) standard. To clarify, in layman’s terms, it equals your home address.
Therefore, to receive mail at home, the sender must have his proper postal address (Internet Protocol address) in your city (network), or he will not receive invoices, pizza coupons, or tax refunds.
The same goes for all computers on the Internet. However, there are data exceptions without this unique address.
IP addresses, therefore, are permanently assigned to a mail server / corporate server or a residence.
They can also be temporarily assigned from a group of available addresses (on the first call, service) from your ISP.
A landline number may not be available in all regions and may cost more, so contact your ISP.
DNS (Domain Name System): Internet protocol address translated into words.
It is much simpler for us to remember a concept than a series of numbers. The same goes for email addresses.
For instance, recalling a web address name like staging.thexplorion.com is much easier than remembering 192.168.1.1.
Or, in the case of an email, it is much easier to recognize from email@somedomain.com than from email@192.168.1.1
Different Types of IP Address
Dynamic IP Address
It is an IP address that is not static and can change anytime. It was issued by a group of IP addresses assigned by your ISP or DHCP server.
For various reasons, it affects many customers who do not always need the same IP address.
However, your computer will automatically receive this number when you connect to the network, saving you the trouble of having to know the details of specific network settings.
Assign this number to anyone using a dial-up, wireless, or broadband Internet connection.
Having a static IP address would be better if you have to run your mail or web server.
Static IP Address
It is an IP address that is never changed or corrected, in contrast to a dynamic IP address that can change at any time.
Most ISPs have a single static IP address or a block of static IP addresses for a few extra monthly dollars.
Previous and Current Versions of IP
IP version 4
It is currently used on most network devices. However, as more and more computers access the Internet, IPv4 addresses are decreasing rapidly. As in the city, addresses have been created for new districts.
However, if your neighborhood becomes too large, you must create a new address group. IPv4 is restricted to 4,294,967,296 addresses.
IPV5
It is an exploratory protocol for UNIX systems. According to the standard conventions of the UNIX edition (computer operating system), all odd versions are considered preliminary. They were never proposed to the general public.
IP version 6
Replacement of the old IPv4. The approximated number of distinctive inscriptions for IPV6 is 2 ^ 128 or 340, 282, 366, 920,938,463,463,374,607,431,768,211,456.
The old and present address standard was 192.168.100.100. The new form is written in different ways, but it means the same thing, and they are all justifiable:
- 1) 1080: 0: 0: 0: 0: 34: 0: 417A
- 2) 1080: 0000: 0000: 0000: 0000: 0034: 0000: 417A
- 3) 1080 :: 34: 0: 417A
