WHAT IS AN IP ADDRESS ?

IP address -> Internet Protocol address

An IP address is a unique number assigned to each device connected to a computer network (like the internet or your Wi-Fi). It works like a “home address” for your device, so data knows where to go and come from.

Types of IP addresses:

1. IPv4 (most common)
   • Format: 192.168.1.1 (four numbers, each 0–255)
   • Example: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
2. IPv6 (newer, larger)
   • Format: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
   • Used because IPv4 addresses are running out.

Two categories:

• Public IP → Address your ISP gives to your router, visible on the internet.
• Private IP → Address used inside your local network (like 192.168.x.x).

Two modes:

• Static IP → It is fixed and does not change.
• Dynamic IP →It changes automatically and most common for home users.