The IP address is a specific number that identifies each device (router, computer, mobile phone, etc.) connected to a computer network, like a mailing address.
It allows two or more devices to recognize each other and to send information to each other. Each packet of information sent contains the IP address of the sender and the IP address of the recipient.
There are private IP addresses for the Intranet or private network and public IP addresses for the Internet.
The most common version is also called IPv4 (v4 = version 4).
As the combinations of IPv4 addresses have become saturated, it has been necessary to find a solution to meet the growing demand, hence the creation of IPv6 addresses (version 6).
What’s the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
The IPv4 address is composed of 4 digits from 1 to 255 separated by a dot, for example: 219.92.117.157.
The IPv6 address is composed of 8 packets of digits and letters, separated by double points, for example:2002:400:2A41:378:0000:0000:34A2:36 or 2002:400:2A41:378::34A2:36 by writing convention (the 0000 between the double points : are omitted).
What’s the utility of knowing the IP address?
With a IP address, it’s possible to :
- Trace the server that gave access to the internet.
- Determine the country of origin and language used.
- Know who is the owner of the address.
- Etc.
How to find your IP address?
By going on the internet and search for “my IP address” or “what is my IP” and you will have several sites that offer this service.
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