Definition/Overview
IP addressing is essentially a way computers communicate with each other over the internet as well as other networks. Specifically, this conversation among computers involves a set of rules to follow. Those rules dictate how data sent across the network is formatted, this is important because it maintains the privacy and security of information shared over the internet.
What is an IP Address
An IP address is a set of four numbers separated by periods. The most common type is an IPv4 address. Ipv4 addresses are 32 bits in length meaning that the entire address contains 32 binary digits divided equally into 8 for each section, this is why each segment separated by a period is referred to as an Octet. Within each division of the IP address itself can be any number between 0 and 255. The reason for this maximum is that 255 is the largest number that can be made with 8 bits. To explain the second element of IP addresses further we will be using 192.168.32.152 as an example. Another important part of the IP address is something called the Subnet Mask. The Subnet Mask, like IP addresses, is represented in Dot-Decimal notation. The example address above would be paired with the Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0. The purpose of this mask is to differentiate between the network and host part of the address, with 255 representing the network section and 0 representing the host section.
192.168.32.152
255.255.255.0
Essentially when looking at the two addresses next to each other as shown above, the subnet mask at the bottom lets us know that the first three octets of the IP address are used to identify the network of the computer while the last octet is used to identify the host.
Types of IP addresses
Private
Every device connected to the internet has its own private IP address. Each unique IP address is assigned by the router to identify each device separately Private IP addresses also help devices to recognize and differentiate between each other.
Public
While private addresses are used to identify individual devices, public ones are used to identify the entire network itself. Public IP addresses are assigned by the aforementioned address pool owned by ISPs. Public IP addresses come in two forms: dynamic and static.
Dynamic
A dynamic IP address changes automatically and regularly, most users on the internet have one. Internet Service Providers prefer dynamic addresses because this automation prevents the need to manually reassign IP addresses when customers join, leave and move. ISPs buy a large number of IP addresses and assign them to customers until they expire and are put back into the IP address pool for another customer. The reasoning behind this method is that it’s more cost-effective, the automation saves time and with constantly changing addresses it’s more secure.
Static
Contrary to Dynamic IP Addresses Static IP addresses don’t. Most individuals and businesses don’t need this however it is crucial for those who want to host their own server. Static addresses are most commonly used by website owners who want their websites and email addresses to be tied to the same IP address and where they are easier for other devices to find.
The Future of IP Addressing
As I mentioned previously for the most part the current internet protocol uses IPv4. ipv4 addresses consist of a 32-bit length, which allows for around 4 billion users. 4 billion may sound like a lot, however, it is not enough for the growing number of network users in this connected world. The solution to this lack of addresses is ipv6, a 124-bit address capable of providing around 340 trillion IP addresses, with that kind of abundance you could put smart before just about every item in your house.