IP Address
What is an IP Address?
IP stands for Internet Protocol. An IP address is a unique identifier for any device connected to the internet or in a local, private network.
How IP Addresses are used
By connecting to a network, computers and other devices, including Internet of Things (IoT), share data and other information with each other. For instance, by simply searching in your browser, your smartphone (or computer) communicates with several other devices by requesting information. This communication goes up the chain until a specific server with the information you requested is traced and it, in turn, sends a reply with your requested information. This reply is then sent to your device, and you can now see it on your browser. Each device along the path described has an IP address, from your device to your ISP, to the servers. This IP address shows where data should be sent, just like a postal code.
There are two versions of IP addresses, IPv4 and IPv6.
IPv4 Example: 81.214.149.9
IPv6 Example: 3cf3:d4a1:fc60:9d06:17a9:6a68:49ca:3a53
