There is a whole different world behind the computer screens of a person, and it is often fascinating for some to think that all of it is physically absent but captures so much space in the human world. Artificial intelligence is growing at a rapid pace while the world is moving towards virtual reality, and one of the things which can be matched between the real and virtual world is the address.
It might be surprising to many, but even the internet has an address for everything, and that’s how everything is tracked. The way all the contacts are made via a location in real life with the help of a physical address, in the same manner, a virtual world has an IP address. This article will focus on the same, along with providing some additional information that should be handy for everyone in this virtually developed world.
IP Address
An IP address is an acronym for an Internet protocol address. In layman’s language, it is the address of any device on the internet with which it can be traced and tracked. There are numerous reasons behind the existence of an IP address for every device. One of the most significant ones is the need for unique identification between all the devices to avoid any confusion. Even if computers are not humans. But they also need some differentiation. IP addresses provide that uniqueness to every device with the help of which it can be differentiated from all the other devices on the internet. It is the IP address that enables a smooth flow of information between different devices without any cross-connection.
Numerical Identification Code
The address of places in real life or the physical world is expressed in the form of numbers, symbols and words, which creates an overall identification code for different places and houses around the world. In the case of internet protocol addresses, the elements used are just numbers. It is expressed in the form of numbers only. Ip address is actually not just one number but a set of four numbers that start from 0 and extend till 255.
It can be said that the IP address with the smallest set is 0.0.0.0 and that the largest one is 255.255.255.255. Another important thing to keep in mind is that an IP address is not randomly or generated in some order, but it is a unique identification number like that of an aadhar card in India but is mathematically produced after a lot of algorithms done by the official authority known as Internet Assigned Number Authority. This body is a component or subdivision of a larger authority known as the Internet Corporation For Assigned Names and Numbers, which is abbreviated as ICANN.
The reason behind the existence of this body is the issue of privacy prevailing on the internet since its inception in this world. People often had a lot of confusion, and the internet, as well as computer devices, was not accessible to all. In order to make it more accessible and safe to use, this body was incorporated in the USA in the year 1998. As of today, it has worked wonders for the internet, and whenever a new device needs to have a unique id on the internet, it refers to this authority in exchange for some monetary consideration.
Types of IP Address
There are numerous kinds of IP addresses depending upon the kind of usage it has and the kind of people using it. Before getting into the deeper idea of IP addresses, one should keep in mind that no matter how many IP addresses there are, it won’t exceed the number set of 255.
1. Consumer IP Address- The IP address which is either registered in the name of a private person or a business is the consumer IP address and is distinguished further into two subtypes which are public and private. The reason behind the two subtypes is the need for privacy which was the original basis behind the inception of IP addresses.
Private IP Address- The unique identification of any device which is used for personal usage, such as connecting various devices inside a closed space or use of wi-fi. Besides that, it also facilitates the use of the internet for private purposes and can be differentiated from any private network easily. The reason behind its existence is the growing need for private devices all over the world.
Public IP Address- A public IP address is an aggregate identification number for a large group of devices and works through ISP. It is different from a private address because it covers more than one device. Public IP addresses are further classified into two types.
2.Public IP Address- It has already been defined above and can be further distinguished from various types discussed below
Dynamic IP Address- These are etain companies that buy a large number of addresses and keep rotating them among its consumers, which maintains security as well saves cost.
Static IP Address- Dynamic IP address is mostly used by consumers who casually use the internet and don’t do anything specific or don’t pursue any business-related task. On the other hand, a static address is just one and remains with the host without switching it with anyone.
Conclusion
Internet Protocol Address is a unique approach to the internet world which has enslaved easier identification between devices all over the globe and has made connectivity easier and secure than before.