Internet protocol (IP) addresses are unique identifiers assigned to devices connected to the Internet or a local network. Mathematically formulated and provided by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), an IP address helps maintain a secure internet connection and allows all parties access to that specific network.
But how do IP addresses work? In this article, we’ll answer this question and discuss everything you need to know about IP addresses, including their types and how to protect your IP address.
Key Takeaways
- IP addresses allow devices to connect and communicate over the Internet.
- There are two general types of IP addresses: Consumer IP address and Website IP address, each with its own subcategories.
- Smartphones typically use public, dynamic IP addresses, while many computers use private IP addresses within a local network.
- Using an antivirus, blocking malicious content, and employing a VPN are three great practices to protect your IP address.
Table of Contents
How Does an IP Address Work?
IP addresses work by following a set of guidelines to communicate and pass information. Devices connected to the same network protocol can find and exchange data with each other. It’s akin to speaking the same language, enabling computers to send and receive information regardless of their location.
Behind the scenes, an IP address operates through the following processes:
- A computing device connects to a local network that is, in turn, connected to the internet. This grants the computer access to the internet.
- Your internet service provider (ISP) assigns your gadgets unique IP addresses. If you are home, you will have your private network. At work, you will use the shared company network on dedicated web hosting or VPS hosting.
- All your internet activities will go through the ISP, which will reroute them back to you via an IP address.
Note that IP addresses can change. One way to do this is by turning off your modem and then switching it back on. Alternatively, you can request your internet provider to change it for you deliberately.
When traveling and using your mobile phone, your IP address will change based on your connection method. If you connect to the internet via personal data, your IP address will be assigned by your mobile data provider. If you use a public Wi-Fi connection, your IP address will be assigned by the Wi-Fi network’s ISP, such as those in hotels or cafés.
Types of IP Addresses
IP addresses have different categories and subtypes, with some being permanent and others temporary:
1. Consumer IP Addresses
A consumer IP address is what individuals and businesses connect to and is related to their network location. These are the two kinds of consumer IP addresses:
1.1 Private IP Address
All devices connected to an internet network use a private IP address. This includes smartphones, tablets, personal computers, and Bluetooth-enabled gadgets such as speakers, smart TVs, and printers.
As the Internet of Things (IoT) grows, the number of private IP addresses in a single household increases. This happens because your router or modem recognizes each device separately and assigns unique private IP addresses to each one, differentiating them as they connect to your home internet.
1.2 Public IP Address
The public IP address is the primary address associated with your entire internet network. While each connected device within your network uses its own unique IP address, these devices are all part of the larger network identified by your main IP address.
An ISP has an extensive pool of IP addresses distributed to users. Your private IP is in this bigger web of addresses, i.e., your public IP address.
There are two types of public IP addresses:
Dynamic IP Addresses
As the name implies, a dynamic IP address changes regularly and automatically.
ISPs assign a unique IP address to each customer, but they periodically reassign these addresses and return older ones to their repository of available IP addresses. This practice helps the ISP save on costs and manage resources.
For example, if a client moves to a new home, the ISP doesn’t need to exhaust resources to re-establish the client’s IP address. Instead, the internet provider relies on the automated reassignment of IP address.
Additionally, there are safety benefits to dynamic IP addresses. Regularly changing IP addresses helps protect against network attacks and malicious intruders.
Static IP Addresses
Unlike a dynamic IP address, a static IP address remains constant. On the one hand, most private internet users and companies do not use or need this form of public IP address.
On the other hand, a static IP address is crucial for corporations planning to host their own server. It ensures that emails, web pages, and other data tied to the static IP will have the same address. This is critical for organizations that need to monitor devices attached to their network for security purposes. A static IP address will enable them to locate these devices easily.
2. Website IP Addresses
Many large website owners do not host their own servers. Even small businesses use web hosting to manage their site. Website IP addresses fall into two subcategories:
2.1 Shared IP addresses
When a website relies on a shared hosting plan provided by a web hosting company, it shares the same server with other websites. This setup is typically the case for personal and small-to-medium-sized business (SME) websites with manageable traffic volumes and a limited number of pages and sections. Websites on shared hosting have a shared IP address.
2.2 Dedicated IP addresses
You have the option to purchase a web hosting plan with one dedicated IP address or more. A dedicated IP grants users access to your website via a specific IP address, rather than a regular domain name. This setup is beneficial for corporate websites, which multiple people use to transfer and share files within an organization securely.
Dedicated IP addresses allow easier acquisition of a transport layer security (TLS) or secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate for data encryption and authentication. Through a dedicated IP, users can also run the company’s file transfer protocol (FTP) server for secure uploading and downloading of documents.
IP Address Types Compared
To distinguish the different types of IP addresses, here’s a table you can use:
| IP Type | Common Uses | Biggest Downsides | Ownership | Best For | Cost |
| Private | Residential and corporate networks | Isolation; High maintenance costs | Households or corporations | Smaller networks who prefer internal communication | More cost-effective |
| Public | Website servers, email servers, etc. | Exposes your location; Opens you to cyberattacks; Monitors your browsing activity; | No specific owner; all public IPs are owned by IANA | Large-scale networks that need external communication | Expensive due to security needs |
| Dynamic | Most homes and all smartphones | Inconsistency; Slower internet experience | IANA | Home networks and personal use | Cost-friendly |
| Static | Home servers; Installing a second router in a home; Shared printers; Connecting an IP camera | Security concerns; Higher costs; Limits network availability | IANA | Enterprises that own websites and want to host their own servers | Expensive due to ISPs |
| Shared | Personal and SME websites with manageable traffic volumes using a hosting service | Higher security risks; Limited web performance | Service provider | Multiple users at the same time | More cost-effective due to sharing |
| Dedicated | Email marketing; Web hosting; VPNs | Higher costs | Specific user | Single user | Expensive |
Where To Find Your IP Address
You can look up your router’s public IP address by searching “What is my IP address?” on Google. This is the simplest way to check public IP addresses, as the search engine will show the answer at the top of the results page. You will receive only an approximation of location, though, instead of the device's precise location.
However, it’s a different scenario for finding your private IP address, as this varies depending on the operating system.
For Windows, you can use the command prompt and key in cmd on the Windows search bar. It will redirect you to a pop-up box where you have to enter ipconfig. This will provide you with the IP information you need.
On Mac, you simply have to go to the system preferences and then select the network to display this information.
For iOS on iPhones and Apple tablets, go to the settings page and select Wi-Fi. Click on the icon enclosed in a circle beside the network. Your IP address should appear on the dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) tab.
Protecting Your IP Address
Keep your IP address secure from cyberattacks through the following practices:
- Hiding your IP address
- Changing the privacy settings of your apps
- Creating a unique password
- Using a robust antivirus solution
- Blocking malicious content
1. Hiding Your IP Address
Protect your online identity and other personal information by keeping your IP address concealed using:
- A proxy server: This is an intermediary server rerouting traffic from your computer.
- A virtual private network (VPN): It conceals your geographical location, making your devices appear connected to a local network.
2. Changing the Privacy Settings of Your Apps
Instant messaging (IM) and other communication apps installed on your device are typical tools used by cyber intruders to hack into your IP. Update your application settings to enable only known connections to reach you.
3. Creating a Unique Password
Your internet password is the only guard restricting other people from accessing your network and devices. Change the ISP-provided default password into a unique passcode difficult to guess and recall. If possible, frequently change your passwords.
4. Using a Robust Antivirus Solution
Install the latest version of comprehensive antivirus software and ensure you keep it up to date. Antivirus protection blocks viruses and securely stores passwords and confidential documents. It encrypts data exchange happening via your network, too.
5. Blocking Malicious Content
Keep an eye out for phishing emails and refrain from clicking on suspicious links. Connecting to unreliable sites makes your device location and IP address vulnerable to attackers.
Final Thoughts on How an IP Address Works
Whether you're a casual internet user or a business website owner, understanding how an IP address works can improve your data and cybersecurity.
IP addresses identify devices on a network and are unique to each device within an IP range or subnet. They come in handy when troubleshooting internet-related issues and tracking potential intruders. Therefore, managing and securing your IP address is critical for safeguarding devices and servers.
Professional web development agencies can also help you with this process, so we advise looking for the right agency to partner with for your project.
How an IP Address Works FAQs
1. Does the IP address change with location?
Yes, an IP address changes with location. IP addresses are assigned based on geographical regions, and they can vary depending on the location of the device or network. This is often used to identify the general location of a user or device on the internet.
2. Can I have two IP addresses?
Yes, it is possible to have two IP addresses. Many devices, especially those connected to both local and global networks, may have both a private (local) IP address and a public (global) IP address.
