What is an IP address?
An Internet protocol (IP) address is your address on the Web. It might be the address of your Internet-connected device (computer, smartphone, tablet, router, etc.), your Internet service provider (ISP), or the VPN server you’re connected to. Usually, an IP address is a sequence of numbers that can look like that: 192.168.X.X. But there are other formats of IP addresses as well.
Electronic devices use IP addresses to communicate to other devices or websites: IP addresses indicate where on the network a device is located. That’s how your message is sent directly to the recipient.
A device can obtain an IP address from a router via DHCP or can be configured manually. The IP address of the router is assigned by the Internet provider.
Types of IP addresses
IP addresses can be divided into two categories: static and dynamic.
A static IP address, also known as a fixed or permanent address, is assigned manually in the device's settings or automatically when it connects to the network. Once assigned, a static IP address remains constant and cannot be assigned to another device. It ensures a consistent connection, making it the preferred choice for servers and other networked devices that require uninterrupted accessibility.
A dynamic IP address, in contrast, is temporary and changeable. It is automatically assigned when a device connects to the network and is used for a limited period of time specified by the assigning service (such as DHCP). After the specified time has elapsed, the dynamic IP address can be changed or reassigned, providing flexibility within the network.
Static and dynamic IPs serve different purposes and are used according to a network's specific needs and configurations. While static IPs provide stability and ease of access, dynamic IPs provide versatility and are often used for general Internet connections.
Additionally, IP addresses can be classified as either public or private addresses. Public IP addresses are globally unique and are used to identify devices on the public Internet. Private IP addresses, on the other hand, are used within private networks and are not routable on the global Internet.
Versions of IP addresses
There are two main versions of IP addresses: IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6).
IPv4 is the most common form of an IP address. It consists of four sets of numbers, each from 0 to 255, separated by dots (for example, 192.168.1.1). There are about 4.3 billion possible IPv4 addresses.
IPv6 was introduced to overcome the limitations of IPv4 as more devices are connected to the Internet. An IPv6 address is much longer, consisting of eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons. This allows for a virtually unlimited number of unique addresses. Here’s an example of an IPv6 address:
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 has been gradual because it requires changes to both software and hardware. While IPv6 adoption is growing, IPv4 is still prevalent and is likely to coexist with IPv6 for the foreseeable future. Together, these two versions of the Internet Protocol facilitate global communication and connectivity over the Internet.
What can my IP address reveal?
When you go online, websites and service providers see your IP address. Someone who knows your IP address can get some general information about you, but it's usually not enough to identify you.
IP addresses don't reveal your exact location. Most of the time, home Internet traffic uses a public IP address from an ISP, and it can be shared with many people. When you check your IP address on a "What is my IP" page, you'll see your ISP's address, not your own.
Your public IP address shows the location of your ISP, such as the company name, mailing address, and contact details. This might give someone an idea of your country and city, but your IP address will never tell them your name, phone number, or specific personal details.
Use an IP lookup tool on this page and see for yourself what your IP address can reveal about you.
How do I perform an IP address lookup to find my public IP address?
Finding your public IP address is simple. The easiest way is right here on this page – there’s no need to search for your IP address elsewhere. Look at the search bar at the top of our site, and you'll find your public IP address already filled in. If you don't see it, just refresh the page.
How do I look up IP addresses?
You can look up an IP address using the IP lookup tool on this page. Simply enter the address you want to look up, and the tool will locate it for free, providing location details and other information. Mobile users can also use an IP location app to make an IP lookup of their IP address.
In conclusion
IP address lookup and checker tools are valuable resources for identifying the geographical location and ISP associated with an IP address. While they cannot pinpoint individuals directly, they play a crucial role in ensuring Internet connectivity and security. Users can leverage these tools to gain insights into their Internet activities, perform geolocation-based analyses, and enhance their online experiences.
