Each computer, desktop or laptop, or device that communicates over the Internet is assigned an IP address , useful to uniquely identify that particular device, which helps to clearly distinguish and differentiate it from other computers or devices. connected to the network.
As we will see, it means Internet protocol address , and it is an identification number that is associated with a specific computer, device or network of computers . In this way, every time we connect to the Internet, that IP address offers the possibility that computers and devices can send and receive information.
There are four types of IP addresses: public, private, static, and dynamic. In our house, for example, the most common is that the IP provided by the router is characterized by being a dynamic IP address , although it is true that it is also perfectly possible to manually establish a static or fixed IP address, which could provide a series of advantages and added benefits.
What is and what does an IP address consist of?
An IP address offers the ability for computers and devices to send and receive data over the Internet. It consists of an identifier of a computer or device on a TCP / IP network . And networks that use this protocol route messages based on the destination’s IP address.
It consists of 32 bits, often displayed as 4 octets of numbers ranging from 0 to 255, represented in decimal form (rather than binary). For example, the IP address 74.125.43.99 in binary format would be 01001010.01111101.00101011.01100011.
But, for the common user, it is much easier to remember decimals than binary numbers, hence decimals are used in order to represent IP addresses when we describe them.
In turn, an IP address consists of two parts: one that identifies the network and another that identifies the host or node. The class of the address determines which part belongs to the network address and which part belongs to the node address. Of course, although all the nodes of a certain network share the same network prefix, it is necessary to take into account that they must have a unique host number .
How does an IP address work and what is it for?
There are a total of four different types of IP addresses: public, private, static, and dynamic. While the public or private IP address are both indicative of network location, static and dynamic indicate permanence.
For example, a static or fixed IP address is one that is created manually, not being assigned automatically , so it will not change unless that modification is carried out again manually.
In the case of the dynamic IP address , however, it consists of an address assigned by a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, and is subject to change.
Unlike a static IP address, dynamic IP addresses are only active for a certain period of time, after which they expire. And when they do, the system will provide a new IP address.
