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:
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Identifies the host or device
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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:
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Host or network interface identification
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Location addressing
IP Address Classes
There are five classes of IP addresses:
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Class A
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Class B
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Class C
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Class D
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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.