IP Address
An IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique numerical label assigned to each device
connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.
It acts like a “digital address” that identifies devices on a network, similar to how a postal
address identifies a house.
Functions of an IP Address
● Identification: Identifies a device on a network.
● Location Addressing: Specifies where the device is located in the network.
● Communication:Enables sending and receiving of data packets.
Types of IP Addresses
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4)
● 32-bit address, written as four numbers separated by dots (dotted decimal format).
● Each number ranges from 0 to 255.
● Example: [Link]
● Provides about 4.3 billion addresses.
IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)
128-bit address, written as eight groups of hexadecimal numbers separated by colons.
Example: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
Provides a much larger address space (virtually unlimited).
Categories of IP Addresses
Private IP Address : Used inside local networks (e.g., home, school). Cannot be accessed
directly from the Internet.
Example ranges: [Link] – [Link], [Link] – [Link].
Public IP Address : Used on the Internet, unique globally, assigned by ISPs.
Static IP Address : Fixed address that does not change. Often used for servers.
Dynamic IP Address Assigned temporarily by DHCP servers; changes when reconnecting.
Classes of IPv4 Addresses
Class A : Supports large networks (Range: [Link] – [Link]).
Class B : Supports medium-sized networks (Range: [Link] – [Link]).
Class C : Supports small networks (Range: [Link] – [Link]).
Class D : Reserved for multicasting.
Class E : Reserved for research/experimental purposes.