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What is an IP address?

The IP address stands for Internet Protocol address. Every device connected to the web has this specific numerical name.

In a few words, an IP address is similar to your home address, but it serves to locate and identify all particular devices you use.
IP-Lookup
By knowing your IP address, hackers can gain a lot of information about you. Below is just a tiny part:
Check the details about your IP address
Get ip dETAILS

Your public IP address

Public vs. Private IP address
What’s the difference between public and private IP addresses?
Despite many similarities, the IP addresses are not the same and have some differences in how they work.
Local IP addresses, also known as private IP addresses, are used in the local address space, behind a router or server.

The private IP address allows the router to determine your device and where to send back the data.
How does private IP address work?
A public IP address lets you communicate online and this is what a website sees when you connect to it. Public IP addresses are also used in free Wi-Fi hotspots.

Since the public IP address is exposed, it is vulnerable to privacy breaches, cyber-attacks, and even identity thefts. That's why its protection is a serious matter.
How does public IP address work?
There are two types of IP addresses, IP Version 4 (IPv4) and IP Version 6 (IPv6).
Let's check how they differ from each other
The difference between IPv4 and IPv6
IPv4 is the first design of internet protocol that was created in 1982. Although it is still in use today but isn't widespread because it only supports 4 billion addresses and uses 32 bits.

The more recent IPv6 protocol can support up to 340 billion IP addresses. It is more than sufficient to meet the increasing demand for new IP addresses on the internet.

Since it is incompatible with websites that use IPv4 and vice versa, IPv6 is not as commonly used as it could be.
IPv4 vs. IPv6
Deployed
1981
1999
Address size
32-bit number
128-bit number
Address format
124.47.85.26
4038:5cd8:49b4:2840:4739
TCp IP 4
TCp IP 6
Deployed
Address size
Address format
4038:5cd8:49b4:
2840:4739