IP Address

IP Address?

Internet Protocol Address or IP Address is a logical and unique numerical identifier assigned to every device or network that connects to the Internet.

A special kind of address, which identifies devices on a network, consists of 32 bits and represents a series of four numbers separated by dots.

Each number represents 8 bits, and together they form a unique identifier for each device connected to the network.

IP Address

IP Address Classes

IPv4 addresses are classified into five categories: A, B, C, D, and E, each determining the bits allocated to the network part, thereby impacting the number of networks and devices they can support.

IP Address Classes

Class A

Large institutions and government agencies with massive networks designed these prestigious addresses, which occupy the first 8 bits.

Think universities, backbone providers, and international corporations. However, due to their scarcity, most Class A addresses are no longer assigned to new entities.

Class B

Class B addresses, with 16 bits for the network portion, suit medium-sized entities such as universities, hospitals, and mid-sized companies.

They offer a good balance between network size and individual device count, making them a common choice for diverse organizations.

Class C

These workhorses of the internet utilize 24 bits for the network, leaving 8 bits for individual devices.

Consequently, this makes them ideal for smaller networks like businesses, schools, and even your home network.

The vast majority of internet-connected devices fall under Class C addresses.

Class D and E

Class D addresses are reserved for multicast, allowing communication with multiple devices simultaneously.

While Class E, once intended for experimental purposes, currently remains unused.

How IP Addresses Work

IP addresses, within the TCP/IP suite, facilitate communication between devices and websites on the internet.

Whenever you request to access a website or download a file, your computer needs to know the location of the website or the device that holds the file.

When you make a request, your computer connects to a network router, which in turn connects to the web server hosting the website or file.

Each device involved in this process, including your computer, the router, and the web server, has a unique IP address.

Without these IP addresses, the transfer of information would not be possible.

There are two versions of IP addresses commonly used on the internet: IPv4 and IPv6.

Express IPv4 addresses as a set of four dotted decimal numbers, while representing IPv6 addresses by eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons.

Each address can send and receive information through discrete chunks known as packets, which contain the data being transferred along with metadata.

IPv4 vs IPv6 - What's the Difference?

IPv4, the older version of IP addresses, uses 32 bits to represent addresses, resulting in a limited number of available addresses.

IPv6, introduced to address IPv4 limitations, utilizes 128 bits and offers a significantly larger address space.

Here are some key differences between IPv4 and IPv6:

Address Format

IPv4 addresses are represented as four decimal numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.35.4), while IPv6 addresses are represented as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons (e.g., 2620:cc:8000:1c82:544c:cc2e:f2fa:5a9b).

Addressing Method

IPv4 uses numeric addressing, while IPv6 is alphanumeric.

Header Fields

IPv4 has 12 header fields, while IPv6 has eight header fields.

Checksum Fields

IPv4 includes checksum fields, whereas IPv6 does not.

Broadcast vs Multicast

IPv4 supports broadcast addresses, allowing data packets to be sent to every node on the network.

In contrast, IPv6 uses multicast addresses, which are logical identifiers for a collection of hosts on a network.

Variable Length Subnet Mask

IPv4 supports Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM), while IPv6 does not.

Address Resolution

IPv4 uses the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) for mapping to media access control addresses, while IPv6 uses the Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP) with stateless auto-configuration and address resolution.

Types of IP Address

IP addresses can be classified into several types based on their usage and purpose.

Understanding these different types can help in managing and securing networks effectively. Here are the five most common types of IP addresses:

Private IP Address

Devices connected to a home or private network receive assignments of private IP addresses, which are non-internet facing and exclusively utilized within the internal network.

Devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and printers typically carry private IP addresses.

With the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the use of private IP addressing is expected to continue growing.

Public IP Address

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) assign public IP addresses, enabling routers to communicate with the Internet or an outside network.

A public IP address covers the entire network, meaning multiple devices sharing the same internet connection will also share the same public IP address.

Dynamic IP Address

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) assign dynamic IP addresses to a device each time it connects to the Internet, and these addresses constantly change.

ISPs allocate large pools of IP addresses and automatically assign them to customers.

Dynamic IP addresses provide security benefits, as they make it harder for cybercriminals to hack into a network interface.

Static IP Address

Static IP addresses, unlike dynamic addresses, do not change once they are assigned.

They are typically used by businesses that need to host their web servers.

A static IP address ensures that websites and email addresses associated with a specific server always have a consistent address, making them easily accessible on the internet.

Website IP Address

Hosting companies assign website IP addresses to website owners.

These addresses are of two different types: dedicated and shared.

• Shared IP address

Multiple websites share these addresses, commonly used by small businesses utilizing managed hosting services such as WordPress.

• Dedicated IP address

These are unique addresses assigned to individual websites.

Owners of dedicated addresses can avoid being blocked or blacklisted, which can happen to websites sharing the same IP address if other sites exhibit malicious behaviour.

How to Look Up an IP Address

There are multiple methods available for locating a device's IP address.

One of the simplest methods is to type "What is my IP address?" into an internet browser.

The search engine will display the public IP address of the device.

Here's how to find the IP address on different operating systems:

Windows 10 and Windows 11

Choose the Wi-Fi network you're connected to by selecting Start > Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi. Under Properties, you'll find the IP address listed next to the IPv4 address.

Mac

Go to System Preferences, select Network, and you'll find the IP address information there.

iPhone

Go to Settings, select Wi-Fi, and click on the information icon (blue "I" in a circle) next to the connected network.

Display the IP address under the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) tab.

Additionally, various websites such as whatismyipaddress.com can automatically detect and display the IP address of a device.

IP Address Security

Cybercriminals can exploit IP addresses for various malicious purposes, highlighting the importance of protecting and securing them.

Threats Associated with IP Address

Some security threats associated with IP addresses include:

• Downloading Illegal Content: Cybercriminals often use stolen or unprotected IP addresses to access and download illegal content, avoiding traceability back to their IP addresses.
• Location Tracking: Public IP addresses can narrow down an individual's physical location, potentially exposing personal information.
• Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks: By obtaining an IP address, hackers can launch targeted DDoS attacks against a network, flooding it with fake traffic and causing it to crash.
• Spamming and Advertising: Advertisers can embed tracking programs in online activities and articles, recording IP addresses to generate spam and target advertising based on browsing history.
• Identity Theft: While an IP address itself is not personally identifiable information (PII), it can help cybercriminals gain access to other information. For example, with an IP address, hackers can attempt to impersonate individuals through vishing attacks, tricking Internet Service Providers into divulging personal data.

How to Protect IP Address

By following these security measures, you can enhance the protection of your IP address and safeguard your online activities.

• Use a Proxy Server: Proxy servers act as intermediaries between your device and the internet, masking your IP address and adding an extra layer of security.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN): VPN services encrypt your internet traffic and route it through servers located in different countries, effectively hiding your IP address and providing a secure connection.
• Browser and DNS Security: Use browsers and DNS servers that prioritize privacy and security, such as Tor, which anonymizes web traffic.
• Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi: Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks without proper security measures in place. Public Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to IP address tracking and hacking attempts.
• Choose Robust and Distinct Passwords: To avoid unwanted access, generate robust and distinct passwords for each of your online accounts.
• Beware of Phishing Attacks: Be cautious of phishing emails and malicious content that may attempt to trick you into revealing personal information, including your IP address.
• Install and Update Antivirus Software: Use reputable antivirus software and keep it up to date to protect against malware and other threats.

Conclusion

Understanding IP addresses is essential in today's digital landscape.

Whether it's for network management, security, or privacy, having a clear understanding of IP addresses and their types can help individuals and organizations navigate the complexities of the internet.

From private and public IP addresses to dynamic and static addresses, each type serves a specific purpose in facilitating communication and ensuring a secure online experience.

By implementing the necessary security measures and staying informed about potential threats, individuals can protect their IP addresses and maintain a safer online presence.