IP address

An IP address is a 32-bit number that identifies a host on a network. It is usually written in the form of four decimal numbers seperated by periods (e.g. 10.0.50.1).    

 

In contrast to MAC address, an IP address is a logical address. Any device that wants to communicate with other device using TCP/IP needs to have an IP address. It can be configured manually or it can be obtained from a DHCP server.

 

The term “IP address” is usually used for IPv4, which is the fourth version of the IP protocol. A newer version exists, IPv6, and uses 128-bit addressing.

 

Private IP addresses

 

There are three ranges of addresses that can be used in a private network (e.g. your home LAN). These addresses are not routable through the Internet.

 

Private addresses ranges:

 

10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255

How to find out your IP address

 

Windows users:

 

Enter the Command Promt (Start – Programs – Accessories – Command Prompt). Enter ipconfig. You should see a field called IP address.