IP Addresses Explained
IP address (Internet Protocol
address): IP Addresses are a unique number used to identify
information technology devices (printers,
routers, modems, et al). IP Addresses are used
to identify and allows devices and computers on the Internet to
communicate with each other. There is a standard of communication which is
called an
Internet Protocol
standard (IP). In
layman’s terms it is similar to your home address. In order for you
to receive mail at home the sending party must have your correct
mailing address (IP address) in your town
(network) or you do not receive bills, pizza coupons or
your tax refund. The same is true for all devices and computers on the
Internet. Without this specific address, information cannot be
received. IP addresses are assigned by Internet Service Providers ISPs
to devices on the Internet. These unique IP addresses can even be used with
geolocation technology to pinpoint the location
of a specific device on the Internet.
IP Addresses may either be assigned permanently (such as a static ip
address for a web server) or temporarily from a
pool of available addresses (first come first serve) from your
Internet Service
Provider.
Domain Names:(Domain Name System-DNS
), this allows the IP address to be translated to words. It is much
easier for us to remember a word than a series of numbers. The same is
true for email addresses.
For example it is much easier for you to remember
www.viewtheip.com than 111.222.111.222 or in the case of
email it is much easier to remember someone@hugemail.com than
04.115.225.112@204.142.207.108
Dynamic IP
Address: This is the number which was mentioned above in the
IP address section. This is the formal type of IP address issued to
you from a pool of numbers allocated by your Internet Service
Provider. This is for a large number of customers that do not
require the same number all the time for a variety of reasons. Your
computer will automatically get this number and saves you the trouble of
having to know details regarding the specific network configurations. This
number can be assigned to anyone using a dial-up connection, Wireless and
DSL/Cable High Speed Internet connections.
Static IP Address: An IP address that is fixed and never changes. This is in contrast to a dynamic IP address which may change at any time
IP version 4: Those series of numbers separated by dots are IP addresses based on IP Version 4 (IPv4). Due to the mathematical equation which dictates IP addresses under IPv4 we are running out of unique IP addresses quickly. Just like telephone numbers, when
too many phone numbers are in an area code, a new area code must be created. Unfortunately, due to IPv4's design, there are no more area codes that can be created. The Ipv4 is limited to how many addresses can be created for public use.
IP version 5: This was an experimental design to replace IPv4, but due to many design flaws never left the design tables. It was never implemented for end users.
IP version 6:This next generation of how to assign and utilize IP addresses (IPv5) is expected to solve the design flaws in IPv4 such as running out of unique IP address numbers. IPv5 is not yet widely supported, so IPv4 is still the standard of today.
The old and current standard of addresses was this: 192.168.1.1 the new way can be written different ways but means the same and are all valid:
* 1080:0000:0000:0000:0000:0034:0000:417A
* 1080:0:0:0:0:34:0:417A
* 1080::34:0:417A
