Submitted by: Noor Fatima
Roll no. # 10
Department: BS MLT
Course: Introduction to computer
Submitted to: Dr. Samra Wajid
What is an IP Address – Definition and
Explanation
IP Address Definition:
An IP address is a unique address that identifies a device on the internet or a
local network. IP stands for "Internet Protocol," which is the set of rules
governing the format of data sent via the Internet or local network.
In essence, IP addresses are the identifier that allows information to be sent
between devices on a network: they contain location information and make
devices accessible for communication. The internet needs a way to
differentiate between different computers, routers, and websites. IP
addresses provide a way of doing so and form an essential part of how the
internet works.
What is an IP Address?
An IP address is a string of numbers separated by periods. IP addresses are
expressed as a set of four numbers — an example address might be
[Link]. Each number in the set can range from 0 to 255. So, the full IP
addressing range goes from [Link] to [Link].
There are standards for these sorts of things, of course, and the Internet
Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) sets them. There are two primary types
of IP addresses in use today: IP version 4 (IPv4) and IP version 6 (IPv6). The
former has been around since January 1983, and is still the most common.
These are 32-bit numbers expressed in four octets, separated in a so-called
“dotted decimal” notation—for example, [Link].
By 1999, with the commercialization of internet access well underway,
experts were concerned that the IANA could actually run out of valid IPv4
addresses. So, the Internet Engineering Task Force, a nonprofit standards
organization based in Fremont, California, engineered its successor, IPv6.
These are 128-bit numbers, expressed in hexadecimal strings—for instance,
[Link].
How to look up IP addresses?
The simplest way to check your router’s public IP address is to search “What
is my IP address?” on Google. Google will show you the answer at the top of
the page.
Other websites will show you the same information: they can see your
public IP address because, by visiting the site, your router has made a
request and therefore revealed the information. The site IP Location goes
further by showing the name of your ISP and your city.
Generally, you will only receive an approximation of location using this
technique — where the provider is, but not the actual device location. If you
are doing this, remember to log out of your VPN too. Obtaining the actual
physical location address for the public IP address usually requires a search
warrant to be submitted to the ISP.
Finding your private IP address varies by platform:
In Window:
Use the command prompt.
Search for “cmd” (without the quotes) using Windows search.
By pressing the Command Prompt, the below screen will pop up.
In the resulting pop-up box, type “ipconfig” (no quote marks) to find
the information.
On an Android smartphone or tablet:
Go to setting.
Select Wi-Fi.
Select the Wi-Fi network that you are connected to.
Your IP address will display along with other network information.
How to find your local IP address on a Mac:
Here’s how to check your internal IP address on a Mac:
Open the Apple menu and click System Settings.
Click Network in the left panel and then select Wi-Fi or Ethernet
(for wired connections).
Click Details next to the network you’re connected to.
Scroll down to see your Mac’s local IP address.
How to find your local IP address on iPhone:
Open iPhone Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Then, tap the
information icon (i) next to the network you’re connected
to.
Here, you can see your local IP address.
