What Is an IP Address?
Get a foundational explanation of what an IP address is, how it identifies devices, and why it is essential for internet communication.
IP Address Basics
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a numerical label assigned to each device that participates in a computer network using the IP protocol. It serves two main functions: identifying the host or network interface and providing the location of the host in the network.
Without IP addresses, routers and switches would have no way to know where to send data, and devices could not communicate beyond their local segment.
IPv4 and IPv6 Address Types
Today, two major IP versions are in use: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses like 198.51.100.5, while IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses like 2001:db8::1. Both versions can coexist, and many networks support them simultaneously.
IP addresses can be public or private, static or dynamic, and unicast, multicast, or anycast depending on how they are used in routing and addressing.
Why IP Addresses Matter for Everyday Users
For most users, IP addresses are invisible behind friendly domain names and simple network settings. However, they affect everything from streaming quality and gaming latency to geolocation, content availability, and security controls.
Understanding the basics of IP addressing helps you troubleshoot connectivity issues, interpret network tools, and make informed decisions about privacy and security tools such as VPNs and firewalls.