What is an IP address:
An Internet Protocol address (IP) address is a series of numbers assigned to each device connected to a computer network or the Internet. These addresses are used to identify and differentiate between millions of online devices, such as computers and smartphones, and facilitate their data exchange.
What is an IP address used for?
IP addresses make it possible to interact with all online services: browsing websites, consulting emails, watching videos, etc. These activities are all “data requests” requiring an IP address to function. This is because your device and your Internet service provider depend on the IP address to ensure the connection.
Description of IP addresses:
An IP address is typically four dotted-separated numbers, each ranging from 0 to 255. It includes a network identifier (provided by your ISP) and a host identifier (which designates the specific device on the network) .
Consider the following example of an IP address:
172.16.254.1
Each number in the IP address can be between 1 and 3 digits long. In this example we have 172, 16, 254 and 1. This decimal format is a 32-bit number.
An IP address looks like a series of numbers and dots, acting as a postal address to allow the device to exchange data over the Internet.
Here is another example of an IP address:
2001:db8:0:1234:0:567:8:1
This is a more complex IPv6 address. The distinction between different types of IP addresses will be explored in more detail later. For now, let’s look at the two essential parts of an IP address: the network ID and the host ID.
Network and host identifier:
The network identifier in an IP address indicates the network to which you are connected to the Internet (for example, the « 172.16.254 » part in our previous example). This ID is assigned by your ISP if you are connected via a wireless home router, or by the corporate network if you are connecting to the office.
The Internet is a huge network made up of billions of connections, and each connection must be correctly addressed using IP addresses.
The host ID (the “1” in the previous example) designates the device you are using to access the Internet. If you have multiple devices in your home, each will need a specific IP address to connect. Here is an example configuration for different devices in a home network:
Device Name: Network ID.Host ID
- Laptop 1 : 172.16.254.1
- Laptop 2 : 172.16.254.2
- Desktop : 172.16.254.3
- Smartphone : 172.16.254.4
- Connected speaker : 172.16.254.5
Thus, each device on a network has the same “network” part in its IP address, only the last part (the host identifier) changes for each device.
How IP addresses work:
IP addresses are like unique identifiers for each device connected to the Internet, similar to a street address. They help ensure that data sent via the Internet reaches the right recipient, whether for a Google search, opening an email or visiting a website.
To understand how they work, it is essential to remember that the Internet is a vast network of interconnected computers, operating under protocols that determine how information is sent and received. It is thanks to the IP address that, when you make a request online, the Internet knows where to return the response.
Why are IP addresses needed?
IP addresses are crucial for communication between different devices connected to the Internet. They allow information to flow to the right destination. Without them, it would be impossible to access online services such as social networks, messaging or even simply browse the Internet.
IP addresses thus make it possible to structure the global network that is the Internet. They are also important for online security because they can reveal sensitive information, such as a user’s location. To protect yourself, it is possible to hide or modify your IP address, for example by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Find your IP address:
It is very easy to discover your IP address. The quickest method is to search for “What is my IP address” on Google, which will give you the information directly. While this is convenient, it also shows how easy it is for bad people to locate your device online.
By using a VPN, you can hide your IP address and make it harder for hackers to find you online.
The different types of IP addresses:
IP addresses can be classified based on different criteria, such as the type of Internet connection or location.
Static and dynamic IP addresses:
A static IP address remains fixed and does not change. It is often used by professionals or businesses because it helps maintain a stable and reliable connection, especially for activities such as online conferences.
Conversely, a dynamic IP address changes frequently and is often used in homes. These addresses are assigned automatically by your Internet service provider and do not require manual configuration.
Public and private addresses:
Connected devices have two types of IP addresses: public and private. The public IP address allows communication with the Internet, while the private address is used in a local network.
IPv4 and IPv6:
IPv4 addresses, consisting of 32 bits, were sufficient in the early days of the Internet, but as the number of connected devices increases, they are no longer sufficient. IPv6 was created to compensate for this lack, offering 128-bit and theoretically unlimited addresses. However, the transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is underway, although the majority of users still use IPv4.
TCP/IP :
The TCP/IP protocol is the backbone of the Internet. It defines how data is transmitted over the network. Whether with IPv4 or IPv6, IP addresses always use the TCP/IP protocol to ensure the transmission of information.
Assignment of IP addresses:
IP addresses can be assigned statically or dynamically, depending on the type of network you are connected to. Static addresses are assigned manually, while dynamic ones are distributed automatically by your ISP.
Secure your IP address:
Exposing your IP address can lead to security risks, such as computer attacks or tracking of your location. To protect your privacy, it is recommended to hide your IP address using a VPN, proxy or Tor.
Threats related to exposure of IP addresses:
A VPN is essential to hide your IP address and avoid risks such as unauthorized access to your personal data, downloading illegal content, tracking your geographic location, or even denial of service (DDoS) attacks.