Internet Protocol (IP) Addressing
The Internet Protocol (IP) provides a basis for communication on a global, distributed computer network called the Internet. The basic way it does this is by supplying an addressing system for finding and delivering data from one machine to another. Throughout the world, devices connected to the Internet are known by their Internet Protocol address, or IP address.
An IP address is a 32-bit numeric address assigned to any device that interacts with a network using the Internet Protocol such as a computer, printer, or router. It consists of four bytes, or eight hexadecimal numbers, separated by periods. Each octet represents eight bits of the 32-bit address. For example, the IP address 216.58.218.206 consists of four bytes: 216, 58, 218 and 206.
These addresses are used to identify each device, as well as to provide routing information to reach the device. Without a unique IP address, the Internet could not properly route traffic and would not be able to distinguish one device from another.
LANs, or local area networks, are exclusive private networks that are not connected to the wider Internet. They have their own IP addresses, which can be shared between the different devices in the network. A LAN allows devices to communicate with each other without having to go through the Internet.
However, IP addresses are not permanent. In order to adapt to changing configurations or provide redundancy, devices can obtain new IP addresses through DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). This works in a way similar to a leased line: an IP address is leased out to a device for a limited time, and when it is no longer needed, the device will relinquish the address back to the server.
The IPv6 protocol, which is gradually becoming more widely used, provides a much larger address space than its predecessor, IPv4. An IPv6 address contains 128 bits, providing an address space vastly larger than IPv4 and enough addresses to assign to any device on the Internet.
As more devices become connected to the Internet, it is important that there are enough unique IP addresses for each device. IP addressing has solved this problem, providing a means of networking devices together, creating a massive and essential worldwide communications network.
