“IP” stands for ‘Internet Protocol.’ IP address is a kind of unique numerical address that helps to connect a device with the others on the internet or local network.When you search a term from a browser or in a search engine then your hardware device gets linked with that of others with the help of unique identifiers . Thus a hardware’s ip address serves two functions,viz,(1)network interface management and (2) destination identification.
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Understanding IP
In the world of internet, to communicate between two or more devices a protocol is needed that sends and receives data pack to the participating devices. And that is why it needs a set of standards to create and transmit data packets across various networks. Suppose you have a friend to whom you want to send a letter to let him know your present condition and well-being. Now to accomplish that your letter must be given the address of the sender and the receiver without which the letter cannot be sent,received and delivered properly in the communication route.
Similarly, in the world of internet communication, data packet which may be a plain text, an audio,a video,an infografic ,a diagram or anything else when sent and received goes through a route of network consisting of source IP address and destination IP address, while the former indicates where from it has come and the latter points to where it needs to be delivered.
Features of IP Address
- IP address consists of unique set of numbers and letters.
- It is a part of internet layer of internet protocol suite.
- It does not depend on any link, existing node, central directory or monitor.
- Being controlled by TCP and UDP it may be connection-oriented and connectionless protocol.
- RFC-791 sets the standars and criteria for ip mechanism.
Kind of IP Address
Based on structure and numerical system ,IP address has been classified into two categories ,viz,(1) IPv4 and (2) IPv6 . These two versions differ in structure, packet size and transferring mechanism too.
(1)IPv4
IPv4 stands for Internet Protocol Version 4 that developed in 1981 though invented in 1970. It is the 4th generation of the protocol where IP address consists of 32 bits, grouped into four parts, each one of these separated by a dot (.) called an octate. Thus a single IP address is composed of 4 octate. However, for more simplification, it is written in decimal numbers( whose base is 10) which may range from 0 to 255.
As for example:
47.9.192.216
You can see clearly the numerical address written above into decimal numbers if turned into a binary one will look like the following one:
101111 : 1001 : 11000000 : 11011000
1st octate 2nd octate 3rd octate 4th octate
Actually, at the dawn of interne, the use of it was limited, localised and not so vast and accessible as now it is. As users increased day by day in very large numbers, ipv4 seemed to be not sufficient to provide IP address in near future. Because there were only 232 possible combinations in this protocol. So there are only 232 (=4,294,967,296) or 4.3 billions unique IP addresses.
(2)IPv6
IPv6 stands for Internet Protocol Version 6 developed by IETF in 1998. The earlier version(ipv4) being not enough, the ISPs undertook new projects as how to modify their technology to meet their growing needs. As per ARIN’s (American Registry for Internet Numbers) report of 24th Septem, 2015, ipv4 reached a critical point to supply required address and run out of its ip pool though it will not effect too much the Internet service providers.
In this method the IP address consists of 128 bits. Fore more simplification, ipv6 is an eight group of hexadecimal (base-16) numbers of which each set is separated by colon (:) .
As for example:
0: 0: 0: 0: 0: ffff: 2f09 :C0d8
If the address expanded it will look like this:
0000:0000:0000:0000:0000:ffff : 2f09 : C0d8
IPv6 allows for 2128 (=3.4*1038 or 340 trillion trillion trillion) unique IP addresses. Numerically, it is enough for Internet users’s device’s interconnections.
How to find out IP Address?
Whatever work you do online, your device gets connected to its destination—-where from it brings information. Be it a server, a computer, a laptop, a tab, a mac or an android, it has its own network when it is in connectivity. In such circumstances, your device gives you information being connected with IP address. There is no doubt. Would you like to find out where it is ? Don’t become worry. Technology has made everything easy. In computer you can see it from the following options.
start button>control panel>network and internet>network and sharing centre>change adapter settings>local area connection/wireless network connection>status>details.
Besides, you can use the following sites to find out your IP in google, such as: whatismyipaddress.com, iplocation.net, iplocation.com,whatismyip.com etc.
Can Internet work without IP Address?
In internet one device needs to be connected to others for communication, sending and receiving signals and exchanging information. The data packs cannot be sent without connectivity. So, without IP, one device cannot be connected to others. Hence there will be no Internet except IP.
Is IP Address publicly Accessible?
A public IP address is not isolated from the global internet, rather it is connected to. It is provided by your Internet Service Providers. Anyone can access it provided it is not under firewall ,mask or VPN. It should not be under LAN, too. A public IP will not fall into these following groups:
10.0.0.0. to 10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0. to 172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0. to 192.168.255.255
The IP address falling into the range from :
1 to 191 is regarded as public .
Can I mask IP Address?
IP address is accessible on the Internet from all over the world if it is in the range from 1 to 191. For the security, safety and more controlling management ,if required,you can mask your IP address. Because, by accessing it the hackers, cybercriminal, manipulators and companies can steal information, watch history,visitor numbers etc. So, you can mask your IP with some tools like VPN Express or proxy servers. In this case, instead of actual address a proxy one is used.
Can IP Address be hacked or Manipulated?
Hacking through public IP is not easy. It is too difficult. Because,Internet Service Providers and Routers set up firewall to be secure from all forms of sneaky activities like watching search /visiting history,installing malware or stealing sensitive information from your computer or android.
However, hackers sometimes succeed to access your IP through ports which act as doorways through which applications and other devices exchange information to you. If they capture your IP, will collect your personal information like city, country, country code and zip to manipulate their personal gains such as flooding you with unwanted ads, traffic ,controlling site, fraudulent monetary activities etc.
