IP Addressing: IP (Internet Protocol) addressing is a system used to uniquely identify devices on a network, such as computers, servers, routers, and more. It’s a fundamental part of how data is routed and delivered across the internet and other networks.
There are two main versions of IP addresses in use today: IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6).
- IPv4 Addresses: IPv4 addresses are 32-bit numbers typically expressed in four groups of decimal numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.0.1). Each group is an octet, representing 8 bits of the total 32 bits. IPv4 addresses are in short supply due to the growing number of devices connected to the internet.
- IPv6 Addresses: IPv6 addresses were introduced to address the shortage of IPv4 addresses. They are 128-bit numbers and are expressed in eight groups of hexadecimal numbers separated by colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). IPv6 offers an astronomically larger number of possible addresses, ensuring that we won’t run out anytime soon.
IP Address Classes and Types: IP addresses are divided into classes, although class-based addressing is less commonly used nowadays. Instead, IP addresses are more commonly categorized by their purpose and assignment:
- Public IP Addresses: Public IP addresses are assigned to devices directly connected to the internet. They are unique on a global scale and are used to identify devices on the open internet. These addresses are assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and are routable across the entire internet.
- Private IP Addresses: Private IP addresses are used within local networks, such as your home or business network. These addresses are not globally unique and are used for internal communication. Devices with private IP addresses can access the internet through a process called Network Address Translation (NAT), which maps multiple private addresses to a single public IP.
- Dynamic and Static IP Addresses: IP addresses can be either dynamic or static. Dynamic IP addresses are assigned by a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server and may change over time. Static IP addresses are manually assigned and remain constant, making them useful for servers and devices that need consistent addressing.
Subnetting: Subnetting is a technique used to divide a larger network into smaller segments or subnetworks. It helps in optimizing network management, security, and routing efficiency.
In summary, IP addressing is the backbone of how devices communicate on networks, enabling data to be sent and received accurately. Understanding IP addressing is essential for anyone working with computer networks or the internet.