IP Address

protocolessential
network addressinginternet protocolidentification

A unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.

Examples

IPv4 address

192.168.1.1 (common router address) or 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)

IPv6 address

2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

Common Misconceptions

  • Your public IP is different from your local/private IP
  • IP addresses can reveal general location but not exact address

Technical Details

Specification: IPv4: 32-bit address, IPv6: 128-bit address

Related Terms