Table of Contents
What is an IP address?
The best place to start with the IP discussion is by defining it is in the simplest way possible. An IP is an abbreviation of an Internet Protocol Address, a distinct combination of periods and numbers. These numbers and periods help identify network devices anytime they connect to the internet. The IP or identity serves the purpose of accessing the available information and data upon the request of the client’s device.
The IP need also go up with the network device number that successfully connects to the internet at any given time. Therefore, an IP can be described as an internet login device identity represented by numbers and periods like 172.1.1.1.
What is my IP adress?
Your country flag: 
Your IP address is: 3.144.151.106
Your ISP is:
You use: Unknown
Your OS: Unknown OS Platform
Why is there a Need to use an IP Address?
Having looked at what an IP is and its use, it is essential to consider why it is crucial. The significance of an IP goes beyond just connecting to the internet or during this time; here are some other functions performed by an IP:
Identifying the host
This is one of the functions an IP address plays. The address provides any network device connected to the internet with a distinct web identity. This identity is essential as it allows the system to access the available internet data and serves as an identifier for the routers and hubs.
Location of the host
This is the second function of the IP; it provides the system’s location on the network. This function of the IP in particular is essential and is one of the main reasons which inform the use of an IP when using the internet. By locating the host, the IP makes it possible to track down any hackers or spammers by simply looking at the IP used to carry out this task.
How Does an IP Address work?
With the description of an IP and its importance provided above, it is essential to look into how this unique device identification works. If you are fond of surfing then chances are you sometimes encounter some rather unpleasant connection problems.
Now, these problems are usually occasioned by two things: the internet server side and the IP. To know how these problems come about specifically the IP side, you need to understand how a connection between the internet service and the system comes about. Here is how the entire connection process happens and the IP role:
Step 1
The first part of the process occurs when your smartphone or the network device you use forms a connection between a network device and the internet. This connection could be via Wi-Fi or any other indirect means.
Step 2
If you manage to connect to the internet using your home network then the entire connection is facilitated by the ISP which in full means Internet Service Provider. However, the web will be provided through the company network if you use a professional location.
Step 3
During the third step, the internet provides your system with its unique IP.
Step 4
At this stage, your system request to have an internet connection passes through ISP and the requested information is routed back to your system by the IP address. Around this time, a chain of events occurs. For instance, the ISP connects your system to the internet and assigns your device an IP.
Step 5
Once your device has been assigned an IP, which will be its internet identification. However, this is not consistent as it can change you or any other user anytime it establishes a connection to the internet via ISP. Where there is a need, you can reach out to your ISP to offer your system a different IP.
Step 6
In case you are out of your home for any reason an alternative network offers your prior established connection to the system. This network provider might provide you with a temporary IP that ISP provided.
Versions of IP address
Like any other thing, IP also come in different versions. In tandem with the increase in IP demand, the initial IP, IPv4 could not level up to this demand which is why the IPv6 address was brought in. This IP was the best as it could quickly satisfy the present and future IP demands.
Types of IP addresses
IP can further be classified into types of IP which include:
– Private IP address
– Public IP address
Conclusion
The IP plays a vital role in accessing the internet connection. The discussion above discusses some of its fundamentals how it works, and its types. The discussion makes it easy to see why an IP is essential.
