Every device on a network needs a way to be identified—just like a home needs an address for mail. That’s where IP addresses come in.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- What an IP address is
- The difference between public and private IPs
- IPv4 vs IPv6
- How to find your own device’s IP
What Is an IP Address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network. It allows devices to send and receive data accurately.
Think of it like:
Your phone number or home address—used so others know where to send data.
Example:
192.168.1.1 ← This is a typical IP address.
Public vs Private IP Addresses
There are two main types of IP addresses:
| Type | Used For | Example |
| Public | Identifies your device on the internet | 80.195.32.10 |
| Private | Used within a local network | 192.168.0.12 |
- Your ISP assigns you a public IP
- Your router assigns private IPs to your devices
Related: What Is the Internet?
Related: Modem, Router, Switch Explained
IPv4 vs IPv6 – What’s the Difference?
IPv4:
- Most common
- 32-bit numeric format
- Example: 192.168.1.1
- Limit: ~4.3 billion unique addresses
IPv6:
- Newer version
- 128-bit alphanumeric format
- Example: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
- Limit: 340 undecillion addresses!
- Designed to solve the IPv4 shortage
| Feature | IPv4 | IPv6 |
| Length | 32 bits | 128 bits |
| Format | Numbers only | Numbers + letters (hexadecimal) |
| Address Count | ~4.3 billion | Virtually unlimited |
Fun Fact: We’re slowly moving to IPv6, but most networks today still use both.
How to Find Your IP Address
On Windows:
- Press Windows + R
- Type cmd and press Enter
- Type ipconfig → You’ll see IPv4 and IPv6 listed
On Android:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Status
- Look for “IP Address”
On macOS:
- Go to System Preferences → Network
- Select your active connection → Look under “Status”
Summary
| Term | Meaning |
| IP Address | Unique ID for your device on network |
| Public IP | Used for internet-wide communication |
| Private IP | Used within home/office networks |
| IPv4 | Older format (still widely used) |
| IPv6 | New format with more address space |
Related: Episode 1 – What Is a Computer Network?
💬 Have you checked your IP address before? Was it IPv4 or IPv6?
Drop a comment below — and feel free to ask if you’re unsure how to find it!
