The term ‘IP address‘ is commonly heard, but have you ever wondered what is IP address , and how it works? In this article, we will explore the concept of an IP address in detail. An IP address, or Internet Protocol address, serves as your computer’s unique identifier on the internet, much like your home mailing address.
It was invented by Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn in 1974. Before the invention of the internet, computers were not interconnected. However, with the creation of ARPANET, the precursor to the modern internet, computers needed a system to communicate with each other. This led to the development of the TCP/IP protocol, which introduced IP addresses to locate and identify computers within the vast network of the internet.
What is Ip address
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a numerical label assigned to devices connected to a computer network utilizing the Internet Protocol for communication. It is typically represented in a four-part numerical format, such as 192.0.2.1.
How does work
Explaining the technical aspects of IP addresses can often be complex, but we aim to simplify the concept for a general audience. Think of an IP address as your computer’s postal address. Just as a postal address ensures that mail is delivered to the correct location, an IP address ensures that data packets—small units of information transmitted over the internet—are delivered to the right device among millions of connected devices. These packets are then reassembled into readable forms, such as images, videos, or software, once they reach their destination.
From a technical perspective, an IP address serves two primary functions: it identifies the host (specifically its network interface) and provides its location within the network, enabling the establishment of a communication path. This dual role can be summarized as follows: ‘A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how to get there.’ Each IP packet contains the source and destination IP addresses in its header, ensuring accurate and efficient delivery of data across the internet.
What are the version of IP address
There are two generations of IP addresses: IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6). IPv4 is the earlier version, developed during a time when only a limited number of devices were connected to the internet. As a result, the address space provided by IPv4 was sufficient for many years. However, by 2010, IPv4 address exhaustion became a significant issue due to the rapid increase in internet-connected devices. An IPv4 address is typically represented in a numeric format, such as 192.0.2.1.
IPv6 was introduced to address the limitations of IPv4. While it serves the same fundamental purpose, IPv6 offers a significantly larger address space, allowing for the connection of a much greater number of devices to the internet. Additionally, IPv6 addresses are represented in a more complex alphanumeric format, such as 2001:0db8:0000:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. This expanded capacity makes IPv6 essential for the growing demands of modern internet usage.
How to find IP addresses in windows android and IPhone
On a Windows Laptop
Using the Command Prompt
- 1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
- 2. Type ipconfig and press Enter.
- 3. Look under Wireless LAN adapter or Ethernet adapter for the IPv4 Address (e.g., 192.168.x.x).
Using Network Settings
- 1. Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
- 2. Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet (based on your connection).
- 3. Select your connected network and scroll down to find the IP address under Properties.
On an Android Phone
Using Wi-Fi Settings
- 1. Open Settings.
- 2. Go to Connections or Network & Internet.
- 3. Tap Wi-Fi and select the connected network.
- 4. Scroll down to view the IP Address under Advanced or Network details.
Using an App
Download a network utility app like Fing or WiFi Analyzer to display your device’s IP address.
On an iPhone
Using Wi-Fi Settings
- 1. Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi.
- 2. Tap the (i) icon next to the connected network.
- 3. Find the IP Address under the IPV4 Address section.
Using Cellular Data
For cellular networks, IP addresses are often dynamic and managed by the carrier.
- 1. Open Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data.
- 2. Tap Cellular Data Network to check for related information.
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide equips users with the knowledge and tools to locate IP addresses on various devices, ensuring better control over their networks. By understanding the basics of IP addresses and how to manage them, users can troubleshoot connectivity issues, enhance online privacy, and make informed decisions about network security. Whether you’re a beginner or tech-savvy, these insights are vital in navigating today’s interconnected world.