IP Address

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique string of numbers separated by periods (IPv4) or colons (IPv6) that identifies each computer, smartphone, or device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It serves two primary functions: network interface identification and location addressing. IP addresses are essential for the internet's functioning, as they ensure that data sent over the internet reaches the correct destination. There are two types of IP addresses: public IP addresses, which are used on the wider internet, and private IP addresses, used within a network such as a home or office. The management of IP addresses is overseen by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) globally and by regional Internet registries.