IP address

What does it mean

The IP address is a unique identifier assigned to each device that is connected to the internet. The IP address consists of a numerical set that is assigned to a unique device and allows its identification and communication with other devices on the internet. The IP address is used for routing data packets between devices on the internet. If you want to visit a website, your device sends a request to the server where this page is stored. The request contains your IP address so that the server knows where to send the response.

More info

The IP address is an important part of internet communication because it allows the identification of every device connected to the internet. An IP address can be public or private. A public IP address allows a device connected to the internet to provide publicly accessible services, such as websites, email servers, and others. When someone sends a request for these services, the server must know where to send the response. The IP address is used to identify the device requesting the service and to find the path to send the response back to that device. Private IP addresses are used within a network and help route data packets between devices in the network. Each device in the network has its own private IP address, and devices in the network can communicate with each other using these addresses. Private IP addresses are used to ensure network privacy and security because these addresses are not accessible from the internet and can only be used within the network.

How to find your IP address?

1. Online services: You can visit websites like:

• WhatIsMyIP.com
• IPChicken.com These sites will show you your public IP address.

2. Command Prompt (Windows):

• Open the command prompt (cmd).
• Enter the command ipconfig and press Enter.
• Look for the line labeled "IPv4 Address," which is your local IP address.

3. Terminal (macOS/Linux):

• Open the terminal.
• Enter the command ifconfig or ip addr show and press Enter.
• Look for the line that starts with "inet," which shows your local IP address.

4. Router settings: You can log into your router's administrative interface and usually find the public IP address on the main page or in the connection information section.

If you are looking for your public IP address, the easiest way is through online services. If you are looking for a local IP address within your network, the command prompt or terminal is more efficient.