06/01/2026
What Is an IP Address? How Does an IP Address Work?
Almost everyone who uses the internet has seen the term IP Address, but many people still don’t clearly understand what it is.
So, what is IP? What is an IP Address? Why do we use IP Addresses?
Let’s learn about IP Addresses step by step.
What Is IP (Internet Protocol)?
IP stands for Internet Protocol.
It is a set of rules that allows devices to communicate with each other over the internet or a network.
What Is an IP Address?
An IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique numerical address assigned to every device connected to the internet or a network.
Just like a home address helps identify where you live, an IP address helps identify a device on a network.
What Can You Do with an IP Address?
IP Addresses are used to send and receive data over a network.
They help identify and locate devices among millions of connected computers.
Every website, server, or device uses an IP address to communicate.
IP addresses are usually numeric, but for human convenience, they are converted into domain names (e.g., google.com).
Why Do We Use IP (Internet Protocol)?
Internet Protocol assigns a logical identifier to every device connected to a network.
In simple terms:
IP Address = Identity of a device on a network
Without IP, devices would not know where to send or receive data
An IP address is 32 bits long (in IPv4), divided into four 8-bit sections.
Classes (Types) of IP Address
There are five IP address classes:
Class A
Class B
Class C
Class D
Class E
Let’s understand how each class works.
Class A
IP range: 0.0.0.0 – 127.255.255.255
First binary bit: 0
Network bits: 8
Host bits: 24
Used for very large networks
Example:
10.0.0.1 – 126.255.255.254
Class B
IP range: 128.0.0.0 – 191.255.255.255
First two binary bits: 10
Network bits: 16
Host bits: 16
Used for medium-sized networks
Example:
128.1.0.1 – 191.255.255.254
Class C
IP range: 192.0.0.0 – 223.255.255.255
First three binary bits: 110
Network bits: 24
Host bits: 8
Used for small networks
Example:
192.0.1.1 – 223.255.254.254
Class D
IP range: 224.0.0.0 – 239.255.255.255
Used for Multicast networking
Helps routers communicate with multiple hosts at once
Example:
224.0.0.0 – 239.255.255.255
Class E
IP range: 240.0.0.0 – 254.255.255.254
Used mainly for research and experimental purposes
Not used in general networking
IP Address Versions
There are two main versions of IP Address:
IPv4
IPv6
IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4)
32-bit address system
Created in 1983 by ARPANET
Supports approximately 4.3 billion IP addresses
Still widely used today
Example: 192.168.1.1
Due to the rapid growth of internet-connected devices, IPv4 addresses are nearly exhausted.
IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6)
128-bit address system
Supports approximately 340 undecillion addresses
Designed to replace IPv4
Example: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
To ensure a smooth transition from IPv4 to IPv6, the following systems are used:
Dual Stack
Allows a network to run IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously.
Tunneling
Enables IPv6 packets to travel through IPv4 networks.
Translation (NAT64)
Allows communication between IPv4-only and IPv6-only devices by translating addresses.
How to Find Your IP Address
There are two simple methods:
1. Using Internet Search
Open any browser
Search for: whatisIPaddress.com
You will see:
Your IP Address
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
Region
Country
2. Using Windows Command Prompt
Step 1: Press Windows key and search for CMD
Step 2: Right-click and select Run as Administrator
Step 3: Type ipconfig and press Enter
You will see:
IPv4 Address
IPv6 Address
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