What is IP Address: Unique Device Identities on a Network

An IP Address is a distinct identifier allocated to a device (such as a computer, laptop, IoT device, or other network-connected equipment). It acts as a unique address that facilitates communication between devices within a network.

In this digital era, the internet has become an inseparable part of our daily activities. Every device we use to connect to the internet, whether it be a smartphone, PC, computer, or smart TV, requires a unique identity that functions as a marker for the device. This unique identity is known as an IP Address (Internet Protocol Address).

An IP Address functions like a National Identity Card (KTP) in the real world. It is used for identification and facilitates communication between devices, allowing them to connect and exchange information over the internet. In this article, we will explore IP Addresses in detail, covering their definition, functions, and types.

What is an IP Address?

IP stands for Internet Protocol. An IP Address is a unique identifier assigned to a device (such as a computer, laptop, IoT device, and others) connected to a computer network. It serves as an address that enables communication between devices on the network.

Internet Protocol can be compared to a house number, which ensures that a letter (data) is delivered to the correct home address (IP Address). For example, when a smartphone is connected to a network, it is assigned a unique IP Address. This address enables the smartphone to send and receive data efficiently. Without a unique address, the network would struggle to route data to the correct recipient.

Internet Protocol consists of a series of numbers separated by dots (.) or colons (:). Addresses separated by dots represent IPv4, while those separated by colons represent IPv6. An IPv4 address may look like 192.168.1.1, whereas an IPv6 address may appear as 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.

Each segment of an IPv4 address follows a specific range of values, formatted as X.X.X.X, where each X represents a number between 0 and 255.

For example, the IP address 192.168.1.1 is a unique identifier assigned to a specific device within a network.

IP Address adalah alamat unik dalam jaringan komputer — IP Address is a unique address in a computer network.

Function of IP Address

Internet Protocol plays a crucial role in computer networks. The following are some of the main functions of an IP Address:

Device Identification

Internet Protocol serves as a unique identifier for each device connected to a network. With an IP, other devices can recognize and locate the intended device when exchanging information. An IP Address also facilitates data transfer between two connected devices, enabling communication between machines on different networks.

Data Packet Addressing and Routing

When we access a website or send an email, the data is broken down into small packets. Internet Protocol plays a key role in directing these data packets to the correct destination. For example, when you enter a website’s domain name in a browser, the system translates the domain name into the website’s IP Address. The requested data packet is then sent to the appropriate IP Address.

Network Security

From a security perspective, IP can be configured to protect data and information. For example, a network administrator can block access from specific IP Addresses deemed suspicious or potentially harmful.

How an IP Address Works

The process of sending and receiving data over the internet involves interactions between devices using IP. Here is how an Internet Protocol works:

When you access a website through a device such as a computer or smartphone, the device sends a data packet to the website. The data packet contains information such as the website’s address and the requested content.
The device adds the destination IP (the website’s IP Address) to the data packet header, which functions like a postal label indicating the destination.
The data packet is then sent through a router, which directs data traffic across the network. This process is known as routing. The router reads the destination IP Address and determines the best path to send the data packet.
The receiving device (the website’s server) receives the data packet and reads the sender’s IP Address, enabling it to determine the origin of the request and send a response back to the correct device.

The IP Address system works similarly to a postal system, where responses are sent back to the sender based on the listed address.

Versions of IP Address

IPexist in several versions, including:

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4)

IPv4 is the original version of the Internet Protocol and is still widely used today. IPv4 has a limited number of available addresses, approximately 4.3 billion.

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)

IPv6 is an improved version of IPv4 designed to address the shortage of IPv4 addresses. IPv6 has a much larger address space, with 340 undecillion (34 followed by 38 zeros) addresses. This expansion ensures sufficient IP for future internet growth.

Also Read : What is Cryptography

Types of IP Addresses

Internet Protoocol come in several types, each serving a specific function:

Public IP Address

Public IP Address similar to a home address in the real world. It is unique and accessible from anywhere on the internet. Public IPs are typically assigned to devices directly connected to the internet, such as routers or office computers.

Private IP Address

Private IP Address like a home address within a gated community. It is local and accessible only by devices within an internal network. Private IPs are used in homes and offices and require a Public IP intermediary, such as a router, to connect to the internet.

Static IP Address

A Static IP Address remains fixed and does not change. It is typically used for servers, routers, or devices requiring consistent remote access.

Dynamic IP Address

A Dynamic IP Address changes periodically. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) assign Dynamic IPs to user devices whenever they connect to the internet.

Loopback IP Address

A Loopback IP Address is a special address used to test network connections within a device. The standard loopback address is 127.0.0.1. Devices send data packets to the loopback address and receive responses to verify internal network functionality.

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IP Address Classes

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) provides specific IP Address ranges for different purposes in Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networks. The main IP Address classes include:

0.0.0.0: Represents an unknown or default network.
127.0.0.1: The standard loopback address.
169.254.0.1 to 169.254.254.254: Assigned automatically when a device fails to obtain an address from DHCP.
255.255.255.255: Used for network-wide broadcasts.

Historically, IPv4 was divided into classes based on the number of supported hosts:

Class A: Used for large networks (e.g., major organizations). Public range: 1.0.0.0 – 127.0.0.0. Private range: 10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255.
Class B: Used for medium-sized networks. Public range: 128.0.0.0 – 191.255.0.0. Private range: 172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255.
Class C: Used for smaller networks. Public range: 192.0.0.0 – 223.255.255.0. Private range: 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255.
Class D: Reserved for multicasting. Range: 224.0.0.0 – 239.255.255.255.
Class E: Reserved for future use. Range: 240.0.0.0 – 255.255.255.255.

Differences Between Public and Private IP Addresses

Feature	Public IP	Private IP
Function	Identifies devices on the internet	Identifies devices within a local network
Accessibility	Accessible globally	Accessible only within a local network
Setup	Provided by ISP	Configured automatically by a router
Address Range	Varies by ISP	10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255, 172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255, 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255
Example	123.45.67.89	192.168.1.10

How the IP Address Distribution Process Works

When a device connects to a network, the IP Address distribution process follows these steps:

The client device sends a broadcast request to find an available Internet Protocol.
A DHCP server responds with an IP offer.
The client device accepts the offer and confirms with the DHCP server.
The DHCP server assigns additional network configurations, such as a subnet mask and default gateway.
The assigned IPremains valid for a set lease time, after which it must be renewed.

This structured system ensures efficient allocation and management of IP in computer network

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References

https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/what-is-ip-address

Author : Meilina Eka Ayuningtyas