An IP address (IPv4: 83.8.35.206 or IPv6: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334) is a unique number assigned to every device connected to a computer network. It allows identification and communication with other devices in the network. It consists of digits written in a dotted-decimal format and is used to determine location in the network and to route data between devices.
What are the types of IP addresses?
The main types are:
IPv4 - the older 32-bit standard (e.g. 192.168.1.1).
IPv6 - the newer 128-bit standard (e.g. 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334), introduced due to the depletion of the IPv4 address pool.
IPv6 provides a vast address space and improved network management mechanisms.
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 and IPv6 are two different versions of the Internet Protocol used to identify and communicate devices in a network.
IPv4 (83.8.35.206): This is the older version of IP addresses consisting of a 32-bit number written in four groups of 8 bits separated by dots. Due to the growing number of devices connected to the Internet, IPv4 addresses are becoming scarce.
IPv6 (2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334): This is the newer version, designed to increase address capacity. IPv6 addresses consist of a 128-bit number written in eight groups of 16 bits separated by colons. With far more available addresses, IPv6 supports many more devices connected to the Internet.
Currently, due to IPv4 exhaustion, there is an increasing emphasis on adopting IPv6.
What is the difference between a public and a private IP address?
Public IP address - visible outside the network (on the Internet), assigned by the Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Private IP address - used within a local network (e.g. at home or in a company), not directly visible from the Internet.
Private addresses are designated within special ranges reserved by IANA (e.g. 192.168.0.0/16, 10.0.0.0/8).
How can I check my IP address?
You can use various websites that show your IP address. Simply type "check my IP address" in a search engine and you will find multiple sites providing this service. When you visit one, your IP address will usually be displayed on the main page.
On Windows: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type "cmd" and press Enter to open the command prompt. Type "ipconfig" and press Enter. Your IP address will appear next to "IPv4 Address".
On macOS: Click the Apple menu (apple icon) in the upper left corner, choose "System Preferences" -> "Network". Select your network connection on the left, and your IP address will be shown on the right.
On smartphones and tablets, you can find the IP address in network settings. In Android and iOS, go to Settings -> Network or Wi-Fi to see connection details, including the IP address. Using these methods, you can find your current IP address.
Can an IP address change?
It depends on whether it is static or dynamic:
Dynamic IP address - automatically assigned by a DHCP server and may change with each connection or after restarting the router.
Static IP address - permanently assigned and does not change.
Dynamic IPs are typical for home users, while static ones are often used for servers, IP cameras, or services that require a fixed address.
What is a static IP address?
A static IP address is one that is manually assigned and remains unchanged. It is used when a constant and predictable access point is required (e.g. web servers, FTP, cameras, remote access).
Disadvantage: it may cost more from the ISP and makes it easier to identify the device.
What is a dynamic IP address?
This address is automatically assigned by a DHCP server and can change.
Advantage: no need for manual configuration, greater address rotation - better privacy.
Disadvantage: not ideal for services that require a fixed address (e.g. hosting a server).
Can you hide your IP address?
Yes, for example:
VPN (Virtual Private Network) - encrypts traffic and replaces your IP address with the VPN server’s address.
Proxy - an intermediary that masks your IP address when accessing websites.
Tor network - routes traffic through multiple nodes, making identification harder.
Proxies & VPNs are often used to protect privacy or bypass regional restrictions.
Can an IP address identify a specific person?
Not directly - an IP address identifies a device or a network connection, not an individual person.
However, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) can link a specific IP address to a subscriber. In legal proceedings, the ISP may disclose this information to law enforcement.
Additionally, from a legal standpoint, in some regions an IP address is considered personal data (under GDPR).
What is a subnet mask in an IP address?
A subnet mask is a set of bits that divides an IP address into a network part and a host (device) part.
For example, in IPv4 address 192.168.1.15 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0, the network is 192.168.1.x, and hosts have addresses in the range 192.168.1.1–192.168.1.254.
In IPv6, instead of a mask, slash notation is used (e.g. /64) - the prefix specifies how many of the first bits are used for the network.
See IP location on the map...