What is an IP Address and how to find yours

You may have heard the term “IP Address” and not sure what it actually means. In this article you’ll learn what an IP Address is and how to find yours.

In short, an IP Address is a unique string of characters that identifies a device over a network. Every device that connects to an internet router is assigned an IP Address by the router. Whether that’s a computer, mobile phone, tablet or even a smart bulb. Each device gets a unique IP Address.

IP Address are used out side of a home or work network as well. This is called a Public IP. A Public IP is used to access the internet, and is issued to you by your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

Difference between IPv4 and IPv6

IPv4 stands for Internet Protocol version 4, and is the underlying technology that makes it possible for us to connect to the web.

IPv6 is the next generation of Internet Protocol, and will soon replace IPv4. Because of the increased volume of devices now connecting to the web, IPv4 is running out of available address, and as every device requires an IP Address to connect to the internet, IPv6 was created.

How to find your Public IP

There are a number of ways to find your public IP Address. The simplest is to Google “What’s My IP” and google will return your IPv6 Address, or visit whatsmyip.com to get both IPv4 and IPv6.

 

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