Full Form of IP Address
IP Address stands for Internet Protocol Address. It is a unique identifier assigned to devices connected to a network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. Here are some key points about IP addresses:
- Purpose:
- To identify devices on a network
To facilitate communication between devices
Types:
- IPv4:
- Format: Four sets of numbers (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
- Total possible addresses: Approximately 4.3 billion
IPv6:
- Format: Eight groups of hexadecimal numbers (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334)
- Total possible addresses: Virtually unlimited (340 undecillion addresses)
Dynamic vs. Static:
- Dynamic IP Address: Assigned by a DHCP server and can change over time.
Static IP Address: Manually assigned and remains constant.
Private vs. Public:
- Private IP Address: Used within a local network (e.g., 192.168.x.x).
- Public IP Address: Assigned to a device by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and used for external communication.
Understanding IP addresses is crucial for network management, troubleshooting, and ensuring secure communication over the internet.