What is an IP Address? Understanding IP Classes and Ranges

 What is an IP Address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifier assigned to every device on a network. Just like a home address ensures mail reaches the right destination, an IP address ensures that data reaches the correct computer on a network.

Most modern networks, including the Internet, use the TCP/IP protocol. In this protocol, the IP address:

• Identifies the host or device

• Provides a way to locate that device on the network.

Example: 69.72.169.241 is a valid IP address.

Functions of an IP Address

An IP address serves two main purposes:

• Host or network interface identification

• Location addressing

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IP Address Classes

There are five classes of IP addresses:

• Class A

• Class B

• Class C

• Class D

• Class E

Only Class A, B, and C are commonly used for host addressing.

 

 Automatically Assigned IPs in Home Networks

When you set up a home router or local network, certain IPs are automatically assigned.

If you’ve ever configured your Wi-Fi router, you’ve probably typed 192.168.1.1 into your browser to access the admin panel.