What is an IP address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique number assigned to every device connected to a network. It acts like a digital home address, allowing devices to send and receive data correctly.

There are two main versions of IP addresses:

• IPv4 – Uses four sets of numbers separated by dots (for example, 192.168.0.1).
  
  

• IPv6 – Uses longer combinations of numbers and letters to allow many more addresses.
  
  

When you visit a website, your device sends a request from your IP address to the website’s server IP address. The server then sends the requested data back to your IP address. Without IP addresses, devices would not know where to send information.

There are also public IP addresses, which are visible on the internet, and private IP addresses, which are used inside home or business networks.

IP addresses can be static (permanent) or dynamic (changing over time). Internet Service Providers usually assign dynamic IP addresses to home users.

In summary, an IP address is a unique identifier that allows devices to communicate across networks and the internet.