IP Address

Unique Identifier: Every device connected to a network, whether a computer, smartphone, or server, is assigned a unique IP address, enabling it to communicate with other devices on the Internet.

IPv4 and IPv6: There are two main versions of IP addresses: IPv4, which uses a 32-bit address format and is widely used, and IPv6, which uses a 128-bit address format and is designed to accommodate the growing number of internet-connected devices.

Public and Private Addresses: IP addresses are categorized as public or private. Public IP addresses are routable on the Internet and are assigned to devices directly accessible from the Internet, such as web servers. Private IP addresses are used within local networks (e.g., home or office networks) and are not directly accessible online.

Dynamic and Static Addresses: IP addresses can be dynamic or static. Dynamic IP addresses are assigned dynamically by the network's DHCP server and may change over time. Static IP addresses are manually configured and remain constant, making them suitable for servers or devices requiring permanent accessibility.

Geolocation and Tracking: IP addresses can be used to approximate the geographic location of a device and track online activities, raising privacy concerns and necessitating measures to protect user anonymity and data confidentiality.