An IP address stands for “Internet Protocol Address”. It’s a label that is assigned to every device that is liable for being connected to the Internet. The Internet Protocol on the computer network is used for communication. Generally, an IP address serves two major purposes: location addressing and host identification.
An IP address allows devices to receive and send information. This is the reason people from across the world have the chance to communicate with one another by email, social media, and others. An IP address also tracks an internet user’s physical location.
What is the role of the IP address?
It performs roles that go beyond a particular function. Your IP address is one of the major things that enable you to perform certain activities online. The first role is to assign an address to your location. Whenever you’re trying to locate somewhere in your city or a neighbouring city, you’re able to navigate using your virtual map.
Gone are the days when anyone would use a printed map to locate a particular area. The map application helps to direct you to the place you need to go from your current location. Also, it shows you the traffic situation and an alternative route to get to your destination. Tips on how to find my IP are helpful when you’re willing to get such information. So, you may want to also know the different Internet Protocol types.
Another role of the IP address is for host identification. Your location says a lot about what sites you’re able to visit. There are some websites that require only people of that particular region to use its functions. Some website owners target a particular audience, and they don’t have the resources for people from a distant region. For instance, someone in Italy who has an online shoe store can make the shoe payment available to only people within Europe.
Difference between IPv4 and IPv6
IPv4 was the first version of Internet Protocol produced for the Internet. Meanwhile, IPv6 is the latest version. It developed as a means of fulfilling the need for several other Internet addresses. IPv4 is a 32-Bit system that supports broadcast and VLSM ((Variable Length Subnet Mask). On the other hand, IPv6 is a 128-Bit system that doesn’t support VLSM.
To identify them, IPv4 is basically numeric with binary bits separated by a dot (.). Meanwhile, IPv6 is an alphanumeric combination that had binary bits separated by a colon (:).
How to find my IP address
If you’re already asking, “what is my IP?”, you should follow these steps to find it. People have different addresses on different devices. If you have about four devices, they are different.
To find your IP address on your phone, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings
- About device
- Status
After this, the number will be displayed with some other details like IMEI or Wi-Fi.
To find it on your PC, follow these steps:
- On the taskbar, select the Wi-Fi or Ethernet network you’re connected to
- Go to Properties
- The number is next to IPv4 address
Start appreciating the roles of your IP address in the digital world. That way, you’ll understand why you truly need it.
