What is an IP Address and How Does It Work?

What is an IP Address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique number assigned to every device connected to the internet. An IP address consists of four numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1). This address enables devices to communicate with each other.

How Does an IP Address Work?

IP addresses ensure that data packets on the internet reach their correct destination. When you connect to a website, your browser learns the site's IP address from DNS servers and establishes a connection.

IPv4 and IPv6

IPv4 is the most commonly used IP address format and is 32 bits long. IPv6 is a newer format that is 128 bits long and provides many more addresses.