An Internet Protocol Address (IP) is a unique number that identifies a particular device on a computer network. Simply put, the IP address is the “name” of a particular computer, which distinguishes it from other devices connected to it on the same network.

To be able to surf the Internet, this address must be globally unique. If there is no such need and it is supposed to work only within a private computer network, the absence of matches within it is sufficient.

In this article, we will give a decoding of what an IP address is and answer popular questions: what is the function of this digital combination, what parts does the computer address consist of, what does it depend on, what types it happens, what the numbers mean, from which it it is formed how to get information about your IP, etc.

Ways to determine IP

To find out about the IP of your computer, you can use methods such as:

Contacting a provider. Contact technical support or go to the "Personal account".
Use of special services. It is enough to go to the page of one of them, for example https://2ip.io/, to get the necessary data.
Digital IP format

On the Internet, such an identifier can take two formats. The main difference between the two is how many bits are in the address. Which option is used in a particular case depends on the protocol type.

Internet Protocol v . 6 ( IPv6 ) . The format of such an address is 128-bit. It looks like a combination of 8 groups of 4 characters each, separated by colons. This is quite a long chain, but it can be shortened a bit by eliminating the initial groups of zeros in a row, and replacing it with two colons. However, one combination can be simplified in this way only once. An example of an IP address in this format is 3012:1eb9:22b5:09e7:2e95:9b4a:18b2:066f.
Internet Protocol v . 4 ( IPv4 ) . In this case, the format is 32-bit, the address looks like a sequence of dotted 8-bit numbers from 0 to 255. An IPv4 address can look like this: 172.199.13.255.

Construction principle

As a general rule, the correct IP address structure is a combination of two ID numbers, one of which identifies the network, and the second - a specific node in this network. In the overall digital combination, they are distinguished by masks and classes.

In order for a computer to be able to access the Internet, it must have an IP belonging to another block, or you can still use a server connected to the local network, the address of which has been changed from internal to external. This task is solved using NAT or a proxy. We answer your reasonable question, where does the IP address come from. To access the Internet, you must obtain it from an Internet registrar in your region or a provider.

Several networks are available from the router at once, and all its ports have their own IP. Computers that can connect to different networks work similarly.

IP types

Network addresses can be classified according to several criteria. Let's consider the main ones.

By purpose of use

"White" IP (alternative names - external, global and public). This IP is needed to access the Internet. It is unique and acts as a personal computer name under which the device is visible on the network. NAT solves the problem with a limited number of external addresses. With the help of this technology, the transformation of "gray" addresses into "white" ones takes place. For this purpose, different types of routers are used. Online services on public IP record the appearance of new users and repeated visits to old ones. Also, with their help, you can collect statistical data and analyze indicators that are important for website promotion.

"Grey" (internal, private, local) source IP. It is not intended to access the Internet, it is used exclusively within a private network (functioning through a provider or home), which means that it is available only to those who participate in it. This address is not necessarily permanent.

By way of definition

Dynamic. It is issued to the device automatically when it connects to the network and is valid for a certain period of time (during the session). This is a way to disguise yourself so that it is difficult to determine where the user is.
Static. This IP does not change and is assigned to the computer when connected to the network in automatic mode or is written manually.

Benefits of a static address

- It is possible to bind the user's computer to a specific network.
- Access to services that require a static IP is opened.
- It is easier to work with torrents and other similar networks.
- Optimizes the use of network services.
- Provides data protection.
- You can solve IT problems.