The Internet is a vast network of various connected devices, and each device needs a specific identification mark to be identified. This mark of identification is the IP address. It allows devices to connect over the internet and allows internet connectivity. Let’s have a deeper look into IP addresses and how they enable internet connectivity:
What Is IP Address?
An IP address is a specially designed code assigned to devices that are connected to the Internet. These addresses facilitate smooth connection and data transfer among the linked devices. Whether we are playing games, sending emails, or connecting through a video call, IP addresses are always working to ensure internet connectivity and secure data transfer. Open a browser and go to What Is My IP Address to check device’s specific IP address.
The Two Types of IP Address
The two main types of IP addresses are:
IPv4
The IPv4 protocol address, introduced in the 1980s, holds significant impotnace as the most commonly used type of IP address. It includes 32 bits, segmented into four octets or portions of eight bits. Each octet corresponds to a decimal number between 0 and 255. This configuration implies the possibility of roughly 4,294,967,296 unique IPv4 addresses.
IPv6
The IPv6, unveiled in 1998, represents the latest iteration of IP addresses and functions as an advanced version of IPv4, designed to overcome its limitations. This IP address format includes 128 bits, split into eight segments of 16 bits each. This structure provides the potential for more than 340 trillion unique IPv6 addresses.
How does an IP Address Enable Internet Connectivity?
IP addresses act as distinct digital markers for devices connected to the internet. Devices, including computers, mobile phones, and laptops, receive this exclusive code, called an IP address, from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) when they connect. Interaction between devices over the internet involves breaking down their activity into small data packets that have these IP addresses.
These IP addresses are for both sender and receiver and travel across multiple routers and servers. Each of these points reads the IP address and directs the information on the right path. In this way, an IP address enables internet connectivity.
The Domain Name System (DNS) is also essential for internet connectivity. This transforms the domain names into unique IP addresses. It operates in a manner similar to an internet phonebook. In-home networks, Network Address Translation (NAT) has significance as it permits multiple devices to utilize a single IP address.
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