What Is A IP Address?
Similar to a vehicle identification number, every device which has Internet connectivity is identified by a one of a kind number known as an IP address that identifies that machine when it is connected online. So what is a IP Address? This is a unique number that is symbolized by decimals which may look something like: 173.194.33.16. The IP address identifies your computer as well as the source of your Internet connection by your Internet Service Provider or ISP. An IP address is more than just identifier for your machine; it also helps other devices to communicate with you over the Internet.
IP stands for “Internet Protocol” which is a standard of communication that is similar to your residential address. If someone sends you a snail mail letter they must know your residential address for you to receive the letter through the postal service. Someone who sends you an email message over the Internet must know your IP address in order for you to receive your mail. Now, they can no longer ask, what is a IP Address because they have this analogy! Who IP Address? Learn about WHOIS here.
What Is A IP Address class?
Are you still wondering what is a IP Address? Let’s explore more then. IP addresses are typically assigned on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. Usually a residential connection will have series of temporary IP addresses drawn from a collection of available addresses by your Internet Service Provider. Businesses tend to have permanent IP addresses for use with email servers and other business uses. A permanent IP address is typically more expensive than a temporary address selected from a collection. That said, there are different classes and versions of IP addresses:
Static: An IP address that never changes is known as a static IP address which is a fixed IP address typically used by businesses. It is also known to be used by residential customers at a slightly higher price than a temporary address.
Dynamic: A dynamic IP address is the formal name for a temporary IP address that is chosen at random from a group of available addresses. These are IP addresses that are distributed by your Internet Service Provider and are automatically found by your device as soon as you log onto the Internet. The who ip address can change at random and is hosted by a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server which assigns your IP address.
Class A IP Address: Class A IP addresses are used for large organizations and companies which are typically global companies. This type of IP address accounts for more than half of the more than four billion address combinations.
Class B IP Address: This set of IP addresses is utilized by educational institutions and other entities that utilize a medium-sized infrastructure. This type of Internet Protocol accounts for at least one quarter of the more than four billion IP address combinations.
Class C IP Address: Class C IP addresses are reserved for small businesses and organizations and are also utilized by people who run a small business from home or have a small business network installed in their residence. This type of class of IP addresses makes up a much smaller part of the total IP address combinations. (Most small businesses have already answered the question of “What Is A IP Address”. Get it?)
In the beginning of this “What Is A IP Address” article we provided you with an example of what an IP address looks like. Among the different classes of IP addresses the first three numbers in the address are key identifiers for each class. For example, Class A is 1 to 126, Class B is 128 to 191, and Class C 192 to 223. Let’s talk about IP Address versions now.
What Is A IP Address Version?
What is a IPv4 Address and IPv6 Address you now ask? Well, there are also different versions of IP addresses which are used for network devices and as an experimental protocol for the UNIX system. The UNIX system is an operating system which was developed by a group of employees at AT&T with a group that owns the rights to this type of system. It is an operating system which is used by people that prefer not to use Windows or Mac OS and is more or less an open group system.
The most common version of IP addresses is IP version 4 which is gradually running out due to the number of devices that are connecting to the Internet. Version 5 is the IP address protocol for UNIX with Version 6 replacing the overcrowded IP version 4.
Domain Name System (DNS)
A Domain Name System is also commonly referred to as a DNS which provides an easier way to understand and identify IP addresses. Instead of being required to remember numerals with decimals such as 173.194.33.16 it is easier to identify an IP address by a domain name such as WhoIPAddress.com or email@whoipaddress.com. The domain name system transpired as a result of the billions of IP addresses and provides an easier way for others to find you online. You have the details! Now, you don’t have to ask what is a IP Address anymore!