how does ip assignment work

Understanding IP Address Assignment: A Complete Guide

Introduction

In today's interconnected world, where almost every aspect of our lives relies on the internet, understanding IP address assignment is crucial for ensuring online security and efficient network management. An IP address serves as a unique identifier for devices connected to a network, allowing them to communicate with each other and access the vast resources available on the internet. Whether you're a technical professional, a network administrator, or simply an internet user, having a solid grasp of how IP addresses are assigned within the same network can greatly enhance your ability to troubleshoot connectivity issues and protect your data.

The Basics of IP Addresses

Before delving into the intricacies of IP address assignment in the same network, it's important to have a basic understanding of what an IP address is. In simple terms, an IP address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It consists of four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.0.1) and can be either IPv4 or IPv6 format.

IP Address Allocation Methods

There are several methods used for allocating IP addresses within a network. One commonly used method is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP allows devices to obtain an IP address automatically from a central server, simplifying the process of managing large networks. Another method is static IP address assignment, where an administrator manually assigns specific addresses to devices within the network. This method provides more control but requires careful planning and documentation.

Considerations for Efficient IP Address Allocation

Efficient allocation of IP addresses is essential for optimizing network performance and avoiding conflicts. When assigning IP addresses, administrators need to consider factors such as subnetting, addressing schemes, and future scalability requirements. By carefully planning the allocation process and implementing best practices such as using private IP ranges and avoiding overlapping subnets, administrators can ensure smooth operation of their networks without running out of available addresses.

IP Address Assignment in the Same Network

When two routers are connected within the same network, they need to obtain unique IP addresses to communicate effectively. This can be achieved through various methods, such as using different subnets or configuring one router as a DHCP server and the other as a client. Understanding how IP address assignment works in this scenario is crucial for maintaining proper network functionality and avoiding conflicts.

Basics of IP Addresses

IP addresses are a fundamental aspect of computer networking that allows devices to communicate with each other over the internet. An IP address, short for Internet Protocol address, is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network. It serves as an identifier for both the source and destination of data packets transmitted across the network.

The structure of an IP address consists of four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.0.1). Each set can range from 0 to 255, resulting in a total of approximately 4.3 billion possible unique combinations for IPv4 addresses. However, with the increasing number of devices connected to the internet, IPv6 addresses were introduced to provide a significantly larger pool of available addresses.

IPv4 addresses are still predominantly used today and are divided into different classes based on their range and purpose. Class A addresses have the first octet reserved for network identification, allowing for a large number of hosts within each network. Class B addresses reserve the first two octets for network identification and provide a balance between network size and number of hosts per network. Class C addresses allocate the first three octets for network identification and are commonly used in small networks.

With the depletion of available IPv4 addresses, IPv6 was developed to overcome this limitation by utilizing 128-bit addressing scheme, providing an enormous pool of potential IP addresses - approximately 3.4 x 10^38 unique combinations.

IPv6 addresses are represented in hexadecimal format separated by colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). The longer length allows for more efficient routing and eliminates the need for Network Address Translation (NAT) due to its vast address space.

Understanding these basics is essential when it comes to assigning IP addresses in a network. Network administrators must consider various factors such as the number of devices, network topology, and security requirements when deciding on the IP address allocation method.

In the next section, we will explore different methods of IP address assignment, including Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and static IP address assignment. These methods play a crucial role in efficiently managing IP addresses within a network and ensuring seamless communication between devices.

Methods of IP Address Assignment

IP address assignment is a crucial aspect of network management and plays a vital role in ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient data transfer. There are primarily two methods of assigning IP addresses in a network: dynamic IP address assignment using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and static IP address assignment.

Dynamic IP Address Assignment using DHCP

Dynamic IP address assignment is the most commonly used method in modern networks. It involves the use of DHCP servers, which dynamically allocate IP addresses to devices on the network. When a device connects to the network, it sends a DHCP request to the DHCP server, which responds by assigning an available IP address from its pool.

One of the key benefits of dynamic IP address assignment is its simplicity and scalability. With dynamic allocation, network administrators don't have to manually configure each device's IP address. Instead, they can rely on the DHCP server to handle this task automatically. This significantly reduces administrative overhead and makes it easier to manage large networks with numerous devices.

Another advantage of dynamic allocation is that it allows for efficient utilization of available IP addresses. Since addresses are assigned on-demand, there is no wastage of unused addresses. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where devices frequently connect and disconnect from the network, such as in public Wi-Fi hotspots or corporate environments with a high turnover rate.

However, dynamic allocation does have some drawbacks as well. One potential issue is that devices may receive different IP addresses each time they connect to the network. While this might not be an issue for most users, it can cause problems for certain applications or services that rely on consistent addressing.

Additionally, dynamic allocation introduces a dependency on the DHCP server. If the server goes down or becomes unreachable, devices will not be able to obtain an IP address and will be unable to connect to the network. To mitigate this risk, redundant DHCP servers can be deployed for high availability.

Static IP Address Assignment

Static IP address assignment involves manually configuring each device's IP address within the network. Unlike dynamic allocation, where addresses are assigned on-demand, static assignment requires administrators to assign a specific IP address to each device.

One of the main advantages of static IP address assignment is stability. Since devices have fixed addresses, there is no risk of them receiving different addresses each time they connect to the network. This can be beneficial for applications or services that require consistent addressing, such as servers hosting websites or databases.

Static assignment also provides greater control over network resources. Administrators can allocate specific IP addresses to devices based on their requirements or security considerations. For example, critical servers or network infrastructure devices can be assigned static addresses to ensure their availability and ease of management.

However, static IP address assignment has its limitations as well. It can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially in large networks with numerous devices. Any changes to the network topology or addition/removal of devices may require manual reconfiguration of IP addresses, which can be a tedious task.

Furthermore, static allocation can lead to inefficient utilization of available IP addresses. Each device is assigned a fixed address regardless of whether it is actively using the network or not. This can result in wastage of unused addresses and may pose challenges in scenarios where addressing space is limited.

In order to efficiently allocate IP addresses within a network, there are several important considerations that need to be taken into account. By carefully planning and managing the allocation process, network administrators can optimize their IP address usage and ensure smooth operation of their network.

One of the key factors to consider when assigning IP addresses is the size of the network. The number of devices that will be connected to the network determines the range of IP addresses that will be required. It is essential to accurately estimate the number of devices that will need an IP address in order to avoid running out of available addresses or wasting them unnecessarily.

Another consideration is the type of devices that will be connected to the network. Different devices have different requirements in terms of IP address assignment. For example, servers and other critical infrastructure typically require static IP addresses for stability and ease of access. On the other hand, client devices such as laptops and smartphones can often use dynamic IP addresses assigned by a DHCP server.

The physical layout of the network is also an important factor to consider. In larger networks with multiple subnets or VLANs, it may be necessary to segment IP address ranges accordingly. This allows for better organization and management of IP addresses, making it easier to troubleshoot issues and implement security measures.

Security is another crucial consideration when allocating IP addresses. Network administrators should implement measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to protect against unauthorized access or malicious activities. Additionally, assigning unique IP addresses to each device enables better tracking and monitoring, facilitating quick identification and response in case of any security incidents.

Efficient utilization of IP address ranges can also be achieved through proper documentation and record-keeping. Maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all assigned IP addresses helps prevent conflicts or duplicate assignments. It also aids in identifying unused or underutilized portions of the address space, allowing for more efficient allocation in the future.

Furthermore, considering future growth and scalability is essential when allocating IP addresses. Network administrators should plan for potential expansion and allocate IP address ranges accordingly. This foresight ensures that there will be sufficient addresses available to accommodate new devices or additional network segments without disrupting the existing infrastructure.

In any network, the assignment of IP addresses is a crucial aspect that allows devices to communicate with each other effectively. When it comes to IP address assignment in the same network, there are specific considerations and methods to ensure efficient allocation. In this section, we will delve into how two routers in the same network obtain IP addresses and discuss subnetting and IP address range distribution.

To understand how two routers in the same network obtain IP addresses, it's essential to grasp the concept of subnetting. Subnetting involves dividing a larger network into smaller subnetworks or subnets. Each subnet has its own unique range of IP addresses that can be assigned to devices within that particular subnet. This division helps manage and organize large networks efficiently.

When it comes to assigning IP addresses within a subnet, there are various methods available. One common method is manual or static IP address assignment. In this approach, network administrators manually assign a specific IP address to each device within the network. Static IP addresses are typically used for devices that require consistent connectivity and need to be easily identifiable on the network.

Another widely used method for IP address assignment is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP is a networking protocol that enables automatic allocation of IP addresses within a network. With DHCP, a server is responsible for assigning IP addresses dynamically as devices connect to the network. This dynamic allocation ensures efficient utilization of available IP addresses by temporarily assigning them to connected devices when needed.

When considering efficient allocation of IP addresses in the same network, several factors come into play. One important consideration is proper planning and design of subnets based on anticipated device count and future growth projections. By carefully analyzing these factors, administrators can allocate appropriate ranges of IP addresses for each subnet, minimizing wastage and ensuring scalability.

Additionally, implementing proper security measures is crucial when assigning IP addresses in the same network. Network administrators should consider implementing firewalls, access control lists (ACLs), and other security mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access and potential IP address conflicts.

Furthermore, monitoring and managing IP address usage is essential for efficient allocation. Regular audits can help identify any unused or underutilized IP addresses that can be reclaimed and allocated to devices as needed. This proactive approach ensures that IP addresses are utilized optimally within the network.

The proper assignment of IP addresses is crucial for maintaining network security and efficiency. Throughout this guide, we have covered the basics of IP addresses, explored different methods of IP address assignment, and discussed considerations for efficient allocation.

In conclusion, understanding IP address assignment in the same network is essential for network administrators and technical professionals. By following proper allocation methods such as DHCP or static IP assignment, organizations can ensure that each device on their network has a unique identifier. This not only enables effective communication and data transfer but also enhances network security by preventing unauthorized access.

Moreover, considering factors like subnetting, scalability, and future growth can help optimize IP address allocation within a network. Network administrators should carefully plan and allocate IP addresses to avoid conflicts or wastage of resources.

Overall, a well-managed IP address assignment process is vital for the smooth functioning of any network. It allows devices to connect seamlessly while ensuring security measures are in place. By adhering to best practices and staying updated with advancements in networking technology, organizations can effectively manage their IP address assignments.

In conclusion, this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of IP address assignment in the same network. We hope it has equipped you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions regarding your network's IP address allocation. Remember that proper IP address assignment is not only important for connectivity but also plays a significant role in maintaining online security and optimizing network performance.

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Every device connected to a network---computer, tablet, camera, whatever---needs a unique identifier so that other devices know how to reach it. In the world of TCP/IP networking, that identifier is the Internet Protocol (IP) address.

If you've worked with computers for any amount of time, you've likely been exposed to IP addresses---those numerical sequences that look something like 192.168.0.15. Most of the time, we don't have to deal with them directly, since our devices and networks take care of that stuff behind the scenes. When we do have to deal with them, we often just follow instructions about what numbers to put where. But, if you've ever wanted to dive a little deeper into what those numbers mean, this article is for you.

Related: 8 Common Network Utilities Explained

Why should you care? Well, understanding how IP addresses work is vital if you ever want to troubleshoot why your network isn't working right , or why a particular device isn't connecting the way you'd expect it to. And, if you ever need to set up something a little more advanced---like hosting a game server or media server to which friends from the internet can connect---you'll need to know something about IP addressing. Plus, it's kind of fascinating.

Note: We're going to be covering the basics of IP addressing in this article, the kind of stuff that people who use IP addresses, but never really thought much about them, might want to know. We're not going to be covering some of the more advanced, or professional, level stuff, like IP classes, classless routing, and custom subnetting...but we will point to some sources for further reading as we go along.

An IP address uniquely identifies a device on a network. You've seen these addresses before; they look something like 192.168.1.34.

An IP address is always a set of four numbers like that. Each number can range from 0 to 255. So, the full IP addressing range goes from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.

The reason each number can only reach up to 255 is that each of the numbers is really an eight digit binary number (sometimes called an octet). In an octet, the number zero would be 00000000, while the number 255 would be 11111111, the maximum number the octet can reach. That IP address we mentioned before (192.168.1.34) in binary would look like this: 11000000.10101000.00000001.00100010.

Computers work with the binary format, but we humans find it much easier to work with the decimal format. Still, knowing that the addresses are actually binary numbers will help us understand why some things surrounding IP addresses work the way they do.

Don't worry, though! We're not going to be throwing a lot of binary or math at you in this article, so just bear with us a bit longer.

The Two Parts of An IP Address

A device's IP address actually consists of two separate parts:

• Network ID: The network ID is a part of the IP address starting from the left that identifies the specific network on which the device is located. On a typical home network, where a device has the IP address 192.168.1.34, the 192.168.1 part of the address will be the network ID. It's custom to fill in the missing final part with a zero, so we might say that the network ID of the device is 192.168.1.0.
• Host ID: The host ID is the part of the IP address not taken up by the network ID. It identifies a specific device (in the TCP/IP world, we call devices "hosts") on that network. Continuing our example of the IP address 192.168.1.34, the host ID would be 34---the host's unique ID on the 192.168.1.0 network.

On your home network, then, you might see several devices with IP address like 192.168.1.1, 192.168.1.2, 192.168.1 30, and 192.168.1.34. All of these are unique devices (with host IDs 1, 2, 30, and 34 in this case) on the same network (with the network ID 192.168.1.0).

To picture all this a little better, let's turn to an analogy. It's pretty similar to how street addresses work within a city. Take an address like 2013 Paradise Street. The street name is like the network ID, and the house number is like the host ID. Within a city, no two streets will be named the same, just like no two network IDs on the same network will be named the same. On a particular street, every house number is unique, just like all host iDs within a particular network ID are unique.

The Subnet Mask

So, how does your device determine which part of the IP address is the network ID and which part the host ID? For that, they use a second number that you'll always see in association with an IP address. That number is called the subnet mask.

On most simple networks (like the ones in homes or small businesses), you'll see subnet masks like 255.255.255.0, where all four numbers are either 255 or 0. The position of the changes from 255 to 0 indicate the division between the network and host ID. The 255s "mask out" the network ID from the equation.

Note: The basic subnet masks we're describing here are known as default subnet masks. Things get more complicated than this on bigger networks. People often use custom subnet masks (where the position of the break between zeros and ones shifts within an octet) to create multiple subnets on the same network. That's a little beyond the scope of this article, but if you're interested, Cisco has a pretty good guide on subnetting .

The Default Gateway Address

Related: Understanding Routers, Switches, and Network Hardware

In addition to the IP address itself and the associated subnet mask, you'll also see a default gateway address listed along with IP addressing information. Depending on the platform you're using, this address might be called something different. It's sometimes called the "router," "router address," default route," or just "gateway." These are all the same thing. It's the default IP address to which a device sends network data when that data is intended to go to a different network (one with a different network ID) than the one the device is on.

The simplest example of this is found in a typical home network.

If you have a home network with multiple devices, you likely have a router that's connected to the internet through a modem. That router might be a separate device, or it might be part of a modem/router combo unit supplied by your internet provider. The router sits between the computers and devices on your network and the more public-facing devices on the internet, passing (or routing) traffic back and forth.

Say you fire up your browser and head to www.howtogeek.com. Your computer sends a request to our site's IP address. Since our servers are on the internet rather than on your home network, that traffic is sent from your  PC to your router (the gateway), and your router forwards the request on to our server. The server sends the right information back to your router, which then routes the information back to the device that requested it, and you see our site pop up in your browser.

Typically, routers are configured by default to have their private IP address (their address on the local network) as the first host ID. So, for example, on a home network that uses 192.168.1.0 for a network ID, the router is usually going to be 192.168.1.1. Of course, like most things, you can configure that to be something different if you want.

Related: How to Find Your Router's IP Address on Any Computer, Smartphone, or Tablet

DNS Servers

There's one final piece of information you'll see assigned alongside a device's IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway address: the addresses of one or two default Domain Name System (DNS) servers. We humans work much better with names than numerical addresses. Typing www.howtogeek.com into your browser's address bar is much easier than remembering and typing our site's IP address.

DNS works kind of like a phone book, looking up human-readable things like website names, and converting those to IP addresses. DNS does this by storing all that information on a system of linked DNS servers across the internet. Your devices need to know the addresses of DNS servers to which to send their queries.

Related: What Is DNS, and Should I Use Another DNS Server?

On a typical small or home network, the DNS server IP addresses are often the same as the default gateway address. Devices send their DNS queries to your router, which then forwards the requests on to whatever DNS servers the router is configured to use. By default, these are usually whatever DNS servers your ISP provides, but you can change those to use different DNS servers if you want. Sometimes, you might have better success using DNS servers provided by third parties , like Google or OpenDNS.

You also may have noticed while browsing through settings a different type of IP address, called an IPv6 address. The types of IP addresses we've talked about so far are addresses used by IP version 4 (IPv4)---a protocol developed in the late 70s. They use the 32 binary bits we talked about (in four octets) to provide a total of 4.29 billion possible unique addresses. While that sounds like a lot, all the publicly available addresses were long ago assigned to businesses. Many of them are unused, but they are assigned and unavailable for general use.

In the mid-90s, worried about the potential shortage of IP addresses, the internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) designed IPv6. IPv6 uses a 128-bit address instead of the 32-bit address of IPv4, so the total number of unique addresses is measured in the undecillions---a number big enough that it's unlikely to ever run out.

Unlike the dotted decimal notation used in IPv4, IPv6 addresses are expressed as eight number groups, divided by colons. Each group has four hexadecimal digits that represents 16 binary digits (so, it's referred to as a hextet). A typical IPv6 address might look something like this:

2601:7c1:100:ef69:b5ed:ed57:dbc0:2c1e

The thing is, the shortage of IPv4 addresses that caused all the concern ended up being mitigated to a large extent by the increased use of private IP addresses behind routers. More and more people created their own private networks, using those private IP addresses that aren't exposed publicly.

So, even though IPv6 is still a major player and that transition will still happen, it never happened as fully as predicted---at least not yet. If you're interested in learning more, check out this history and timeline of IPv6 .

Now that you know the basics of how IP addresses work, let's talk about how devices get their IP addresses in the first place. There are really two types of IP assignments: dynamic and static.

Related: How to Find Any Device's IP Address, MAC Address, and Other Network Connection Details

A dynamic IP address is assigned automatically when a device connects to a network. The vast majority of networks today (including your home network) use something called Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to make this happen. DHCP is built into your router. When a device connects to the network, it sends out a broadcast message requesting an IP address. DHCP intercepts this message, and then assigns an IP address to that device from a pool of available IP addresses.

There are certain private IP address ranges  routers will use for this purpose. Which is used depends on who made your router, or how you have set things up yourself. Those private IP ranges include:

• 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255: If you're a Comcast/Xfinity customer, the router provided by your ISP assigns addresses in this range. Some other ISPs also use these addresses on their routers, as does Apple on their AirPort routers.
• 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255: Most commercial routers are set up to assign IP addresses in this range. For example, most Linksys routers use the 192.168.1.0 network, while D-Link and Netgear both use the 198.168.0.0 range
• 172.16.0.0 - 172.16.255.255: This range is rarely used by any commercial vendors by default.
• 169.254.0.0 - 169.254.255.255: This is a special range used by a protocol named Automatic Private IP Addressing. If your computer (or other device) is set up to retrieve its IP address automatically, but cannot find a DHCP server, it assigns itself an address in this range. If you see one of these addresses, it tells you that your device could not reach the DHCP server when it came time to get an IP address, and you may have a networking issue or trouble with your router.

The thing about dynamic addresses is that they can sometimes change. DHCP servers lease IP addresses to devices, and when those leases are up, the devices must renew the lease. Sometimes, devices will get a different IP address from the pool of addresses the server can assign.

Most of the time, this is not a big deal, and everything will "just work". Occasionally, however, you might want to give a device an IP address that does not change. For example, maybe you have a device that you need to access manually, and you find it easier to remember an IP address than a name. Or maybe you have certain apps that can only connect to network devices using their IP address.

In those cases, you can assign a static IP address to those devices. There are a couple of ways to do this. You can  manually configure the device with a static IP address yourself, although this can sometimes be janky. The other, more elegant solution is to configure your router to assign static IP addresses to certain devices during what would normally be dynamic assignment by the DHCP server. That way, the IP address never changes, but you don't interrupt the DHCP process that keeps everything working smoothly.

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IP Address Definition and Explanation

An Internet Protocol (IP) address is the unique identifying number assigned to every device connected to the internet. An IP address definition is a numeric label assigned to devices that use the internet to communicate. Computers that communicate over the internet or via local networks share information to a specific location using IP addresses.

IP addresses have two distinct versions or standards. The Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) address is the older of the two, which has space for up to 4 billion IP addresses and is assigned to all computers. The more recent Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) has space for trillions of IP addresses, which accounts for the new breed of devices in addition to computers. There are also several types of IP addresses, including public, private,  static, and dynamic IP addresses .

Every device with an internet connection has an IP address, whether it's a computer, laptop, IoT device, or even toys.  The IP addresses allow for the efficient transfer of data between two connected devices, allowing machines on different networks to talk to each other.

How does an IP address work?

An IP address works in helping your device, whatever you are accessing the internet on, to find whatever data or content is located to allow for retrieval. 

Common tasks for an IP address include both the identification of a host or a network, or identifying the location of a device. An IP address is not random. The creation of an IP address has the basis of math.  The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) allocates the IP address and its creation. The full range of IP addresses can go from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.  

With the mathematical assignment of an IP address, the unique identification to make a connection to a destination can be made.

Public IP address

A public IP address, or external-facing IP address, applies to the main device people use to connect their business or home internet network to their internet service provider (ISP). In most cases, this will be the router. All devices that connect to a router communicate with other IP addresses using the router’s IP address.

Knowing an external-facing IP address is crucial for people to open ports used for online gaming, email and web servers, media streaming, and creating remote connections.

Private IP address

A private IP address, or internal-facing IP address, is assigned by an office or home intranet (or local area network) to devices, or by the internet service provider (ISP). The home/office router manages the private IP addresses to the devices that connect to it from within that local network. Network devices are thus mapped from their private IP addresses to public IP addresses by the router.

Private IP addresses are reused across multiple networks, thus preserving valuable IPv4 address space and extending addressability beyond the simple limit of IPv4 addressing (4,294,967,296 or 2^32).

In the IPv6 addressing scheme, every possible device has its own unique identifier assigned by the ISP or primary network organization, which has a unique prefix. Private addressing is possible in IPv6, and when it's used it's called Unique Local Addressing (ULA).

Static IP address

All public and private addresses are defined as static or dynamic. An IP address that a person manually configures and fixes to their device’s network is referred to as a static IP address. A static IP address cannot be changed automatically. An internet service provider may assign a static IP address to a user account. The same IP address will be assigned to that user for every session.

Dynamic IP address

A dynamic IP address is automatically assigned to a network when a router is set up. The  Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)  assigns the distribution of this dynamic set of IP addresses. The DHCP can be the router that provides IP addresses to networks across a home or an organization.

Each time a user logs into the network, a fresh IP address is assigned from the pool of available (currently unassigned) IP addresses. A user may randomly cycle through several IP addresses across multiple sessions.

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What Is IPv4?

IPv4 is the fourth version of the IP. It is one of the core protocols of the standards-based methods used to interconnect the internet and other networks. The protocol was first deployed on the Atlantic Packet Satellite Network (SATNET), which was a satellite network that formed a segment of the initial stages of the internet, in 1982. It is still used to route most internet traffic despite the existence of IPv6.

IPv4 is currently assigned to all computers. An IPv4 address uses 32-bit binary numbers to form a unique IP address. It takes the format of four sets of numbers, each of which ranges from 0 to 255 and represents an eight-digit binary number, separated by a period point.

IP Address Classes

Some IP addresses are reserved by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). These are typically reserved for networks that carry a specific purpose on the  Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) , which is used to interconnect devices. Four of these IP address classes include:

• 0.0.0.0 : This IP address in IPv4 is also known as the default network. It is the non-routeable meta address that designates an invalid, non-applicable, or unknown network target.
• 127.0.0.1 : This IP address is known as the loopback address, which a computer uses to identify itself regardless of whether it has been assigned an IP address.
• 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.254.254 : A range of addresses that are automatically assigned if a computer is unsuccessful in an attempt to receive an address from the DHCP.
• 255.255.255.255 : An address dedicated to messages that need to be sent to every computer on a network or broadcasted across a network.

Further reserved IP addresses are for what is known as subnet classes. Subnetworks are small computer networks that connect to a bigger network via a router. The subnet can be assigned its own IP address system, so that all devices connecting to it can communicate with each other without having to send data via the wider network. 

The router on a TCP/IP network can be configured to ensure it recognizes subnets, then route the traffic onto the appropriate network. IP addresses are reserved for the following subnets:

• Class A : IP addresses between 10.0.0.0 and 10.255.255.255
• Class B : IP addresses between 172.16.0.0 and 172.31.255.255
• Class C : IP addresses between 192.186.0.0 and 192.168.255.255
• Class D or multicast : IP addresses between 224.0.0.0 and 239.255.255.255
• Class E, which are reserved for experimental usage : IP addresses between 240.0.0.0 and 254.255.255.254

IP addresses listed under Class A, Class B, and Class C are most commonly used in the creation of subnets. Addresses within the multicast or Class D have specific usage rules outlined in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) guidelines, while the release of Class E addresses for public use was the cause of plenty of debate before the IPv6 standard was introduced.

Internet Addresses and Subnets

The IANA reserves specific IP address blocks for commercial organizations, government departments, and ISPs. When a user connects to the internet, their ISP assigns them an address from within one of the blocks assigned to it. If they only go online from one computer, then they can use the address assigned to it by their ISP. 

However, most homes now use routers that share a network connection with multiple devices. So if a router is used to share the connection, then the ISP assigns the IP address to the router, and then a subnet is created for all computers that connect to it. 

IP addresses that fall within a subnet have a network and a node. The subnet is identified by the network. The node, also known as the host, connects to the network and needs its own address. Computers separate the network and node via a subnet mask, which filters the appropriate IP address designation. When a large network is set up, the subnet mask that best fits the number of nodes or subnets required is determined. 

When it comes to IP addresses within a subnet, the first address is reserved for the subnet, and the final one indicates the broadcast address for the subnet’s systems.

IPv4 vs. IPv6

IPv4 has not been able to cope with the massive explosion in the quantity and range of devices beyond simply mobile phones, desktop computers, and laptops. The original IP address format was not able to handle the number of IP addresses being created.

To address this problem, IPv6 was introduced. This new standard operates a hexadecimal format that means billions of unique IP addresses can now be created. As a result, the IPv4 system that could support up to around 4.3 billion unique numbers has been replaced by an alternative that, theoretically, offers unlimited IP addresses.

That is because an IPv6 IP address consists of eight groups that contain four hexadecimal digits, which use 16 distinct symbols of 0 to 9 followed by A to F to represent values of 10 to 15.

How Do I Locate My IP Address?

Windows computer users can look up their IP address by typing "cmd" into the search tab and hitting Enter, then typing "ipconfig" into the pop-up box. Mac computer users can find their IP address by heading into System Preferences and selecting Network. 

To look up an IP address on a mobile phone, users need to head into Settings, then open the Wi-Fi menu and their network menu. The IP address should be listed under the Advanced section, depending on the phone they use.

IP address vs. MAC address

When you analyze an IP address vs. a MAC address, you can start with the similarities. For both of these IP address types, you are dealing with a unique identifier with an attachment to that device. The manufacturer of a network card or router is the provider of the MAC address, while the internet service provider (ISP) is the provider of the IP address.

The main difference between the two is that the MAC address is the physical address of a device. If you have five laptops on your home Wi-Fi network, you can identify each of those five laptops on your network via their MAC address.  

The IP address works differently as it is the identifier of the connection of the network with that device. Other differences include:

• A MAC address is a 6-byte hexadecimal address while an IP address is a 4 or 16-byte address.
• A MAC address is in a data link layer, while an IP address is in a network layer.
• A third party will have a difficult time finding a MAC address, while it can easily find an IP address.
• MAC addresses are static, while IP addresses can change dynamically 
• MAC addresses and IP addresses are necessary to get a network packet to a destination.  However, no one can see your MAC address unless they are on your LAN

What are security threats related to IP addresses?

A variety of security threats are related to IP addresses. Cybercriminals can deceive devices to either reveal your IP address and pretend they are you or stalk it to track activity and take advantage. Online stalking and social engineering are the two leading security threats existing for IP addresses.  

Some of the other security threats to an IP address include:

• Allowing a cybercriminal to use your IP address to track your location
•  Using your IP address to target your network and launch a DDoS attack
• Using your IP address to download illegal content

5 ways to protect your IP address

There are multiple ways to protect your IP address from cybercriminals. Some of these options include:

• Make use of a proxy server
• Have your ISP make use of dynamic IP addresses
• Employ a  NAT firewall  to hide your private IP address
• Resetting your modem may change your IP address

Frequently Asked Questions about IP Address

1. what is the use of an ip address.

An IP address identifies every device connected to the internet. This enables computers and other internet-connected devices, such as mobile phones and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, to communicate over the internet and on local-area networks (LANs). 

2. What happens if someone has your IP address?

The chances of being hacked through someone having your IP address is quite low. With an IP address, a user's location can be narrowed down to a specific area. A skilled cyber criminal could potentially work out who their ISP is and then use phishing attacks to find their personal details. A bigger concern might be IP addresses being sold on the dark web alongside other personal information. 

An IP address is more likely to be used by content providers to target the user with content restrictions based on their geographical region. For example, services like Hulu and Netflix read IP addresses to prevent their U.S. content from being accessed by people outside the country. 

3. What are the two types of IP addresses?

The two types of IP addresses are public IP addresses and private IP addresses. A public IP address is the main device people use to connect to the internet, which is typically their router. Private IP addresses are assigned to the devices that connect to the public IP address, such as desktop computers, mobile devices, laptops, printers, smart TVs, and tablets.

4. What is the 192.168 IP address?

The 192.168 IP address is where the private IP address range begins. This goes all the way through to 192.168.255.255. This IP address is not usually used on a network, and devices like computers and mobile phones will not be assigned it.

5. What is a loopback IP address?

The loopback IP address is 127.0.0.1. The loopback IP address is used by a computer to identify itself, regardless of whether or not it has been assigned an IP address.

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How are IP addresses actually assigned?

I'm having a hard time understanding how a governing body assigns IP addresses, companies use BGP to advertise those IPs, and how the internet works. Then, where the hell does DNS come in?

Can anyone suggest a good read of how this stuff actually works? I suppose I have several questions. The first is, does ARIN (or any other governing body) actually matter? If they weren't around, would there be chaos? When they assign a block, they don't LITERALLY assign it? You have to use BGP to advertise, correct? I have always been used to a closed hosting environment (dedicated/shared) where you have routed IPs.

Then, how does DNS come in to play? With my registrar I am able to register a DNS server (eNom) - what does that actually mean? I've installed Bind and made all of that work, and I run my own DNS servers, but who are they registering that DNS server with? I just don't get it.

I feel like this is something I should know and I don't, and I'm getting really frustrated. It's like.. simple.. how does the internet work? From assigning IPs, to companies routing them, and DNS.

I guess I have an example - I have this IP space let's say 158.124.0.0/16 (example). The company has 158.124.0.0/17 internet facing. (First of all, why do companies get blocks of IPs assigned and then not use them? Why don't they use use reserved internal space 10.x and 192.x?). So, that's where I'm at. What would I do to actually get these IPs on the Internet and available? Let's say I have a data center in Chicago and one in New York. I'm not able to upload a picture, but I can link one here: http://begolli.com/wp-content/gallery/tech/internetworkings.png

I'm just trying to understand how from when the IP block is assigned, to a company using BGP (attaining a public AS #?), and then how DNS comes in to play?

What would something look like from my picture? I've tried to put together a scenario, not sure if I did a good job.

• domain-name-system

• 6 As a professional system administrator, or someone working in a related field, we are expected to know these things. For any bits that may be a little unclear vast numbers of books and Internet articles have already been published. This is also not the kind of question, or set of questions, that can be properly addressed by a Q&A site like SF. –  John Gardeniers Commented May 31, 2011 at 22:48
• 2 I don't really have a problem with this question - I look at it the same way as the "Subnetting 101" question & answer: It's something every sysadmin should know, but some may have slipped through without the requisite knowledge. We can't cover it as exhaustively as subnetting, but I think having it as a quick-and-dirty primer is a Good Thing. –  voretaq7 Commented Jun 1, 2011 at 15:50
• 1 @John - I think there are many different levels. Like I stated, I grew up learning in a static environment as far as networks went. I never really dealt with ISPs, border routers, and configuring blocks of IPs. I have had the pleasure of having many dedicated servers, configuring linux distributions, securing them, running web applications, and being able to manage those boxes. There are different sides to the spectrum, and I don't think we are expected to know these things. We are expected to know specialized tasks. Some people know networking engineering real well.. others do not. –  Vegim Commented Jun 2, 2011 at 16:08

4 Answers 4

Leased ip blocks.

IPs are assigned in blocks by IANA to the Regional Internet Registries (RIR). See this ( list and map ) of the RIRs. The RIRs then lease out smaller blocks IPs to individual companies (usually ISPs). There are requirements (including fees and proof of use) for getting a distribution and failing to maintain these means a loss of lease.

Once a company has leased one or more blocks from the RIR, they need some way of telling the rest of the world where to find a particular IP (or set thereof: subnets). This is where BGP comes into play. BGP uses a large network concept called an Autonomous System (AS). The AS knows how to route within itself. When routing to another network it only knows about AS Gateways and where the "next hop" toward those external addresses. AS numbers are managed by IANA as well.

Within an AS, even one as large as an ISP, they might use several routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, and ISIS come to mind) to route traffic internally. It's also possible to use Static Routing Tables, but entirely impractical in most applications. Internal routing protocols are a huge topic, so I'll simplify by saying there are other questions on Server Fault that can do those topics more justice than I can here.

Humans don't remember numbers well, so we invented host names. Skipping the history, we use the Domain Naming System (DNS) to keep track of what hostname points to what IP address. There is a central registry for these, also managed by IANA, and they determine what Top Level Domains (TLD) (eg ".com" or ".net") go in the Root Zone, which is served by the Root Servers. IANA delegates administration of the "root zone", this administrator only accepts updates from qualified Registrars.

You can use a Registrar to "purchase" a domain name, which is a subdomain of a TLD. This registration essentially creates that subdomain and assigns you control over it's Name Server (NS) and Glue (A) records. You point these to a DNS server that hosts your domain . When a client wants to resolve your IP from a domain name, the client contacts their DNS server which does a recursive lookup, starting with the root server, finding your DNS server and eventually getting the relevant information.

Everyone Agrees

As for the "governing bodies": everyone just agrees to use them. There are no (or very few) laws requiring anyone to cooperate at all. The Internet works because people choose to cooperate . The governing bodies provide a means of easy cooperation. All the various RFCs, "Standards", and such - nobody is being forced to use them. But we understand that society is built on cooperation, and it's in our own self interests to do so.

The efficiency bred by cooperation is the same reason BGP is popular, everyone basically agrees to use it. In the days of ArpaNet they started with hand configured route tables; then gradually progressed to a more comprehensive system as the Internet grew in complexity, but everyone just "agreed" to use whatever new standard. Similarly name resolution stated with host files that networks would distribute, and eventually grew into the DNS system we know today. ("Agreed" in quotes because many times a minority set a requirement for a new standard and nobody else had a better alternative, so it was accepted).

This level of cooperation requires trusting IANA, a lot. As you've seen they manage most of the various systems' cores. IANA is currently a US Government sponsored Non-Profit corporation (similar to the US Post Office), it is not part of the government, though only barely removed. In past years there was concern that the US Goernment might exercise some control over IANA as a "weapon" against other world governments or civilians (particularly through laws like SOPA and PIPA, which were not passed, but may be the basis for future laws).

Currently IANA has taken it upon themselves to raise funding (despite being a non-profit company) through the creation of new TLDs. The "xxx" TLD was viewed by some as an extortionist-style fundraising campaign, as a large percentage of registrants were "defending" their name. IANA has also taken applications for privately owned TLDs (at $180,000 each; they have suspended the application process after being inundated with applications, nearly half being from Amazon alone. Many of these applications resulted in new gTLDs .

• No problem! Good answer - this will be good to have to point to for people needing the overview. –  Shane Madden Commented Jun 1, 2011 at 1:05
• Do you think you could elaborate on the delegations for reverse DNS? This is a great answer that touches on the related subjects already, so adding that info would close the loop on the whole thing. –  Andrew B Commented Feb 28, 2015 at 20:59

All advertisements to the public internet, the DFZ (Default-Free Zone), is done via BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), how ISP's do internal routing varies a lot. Most would use BGP internally as well both between their own routers (BGP is often used in conjunction with an IGP such as OSPF) and also with clients, if you don't have your own AS number you can use a private AS to peer with your ISP and when they announce your address space to the DFZ they simply remove the private AS from the as-path. For smaller non-redundant links you can use static routing as well on the PE. The actual "assignment" is just in the database of your registrar, the whois database, RIPE/ARIN etc run their own databases for this purpose.

Try running the command whois 158.124.0.0/16 on a Linux box.

Same goes with DNS, the reverse DNS server is specified in whois records.

This is a very old question, but I had many of the same questions in figuring out how the Internet works . Like the other answers, the networking books give an overview of BGP and DNS but still left me confused. For example, a.root-servers.net through m.root-servers.net are given as the root servers, but how does a DNS service know where to find those servers if they can't use DNS themselves.

The basics of IP, subnetting, DNS, etc. are assumed to be known by this answer. I am addressing "gaps" I, and probably the questioner, have on how the Internet works. By no means am I an expert, but this is my understanding of the gaps.

IP Addresses

The first thing to note is that when the Internet started out as ARPANET, everybody knew everybody and routing tables for IP addresses were handcoded. I assume the assignment process for IP's was done over the phone. As the Internet became too big, BGP was used by multiple networks (AS's) to advertise they had public IP's or could get to a public IP through their AS to another AS. The trust was there that an AS wouldn't advertise an IP they didn't have.

Today, there's not as much trust. Instead, ISP's can download and authenticate the IP allocations to each AS from IANA and the regional authorities. These downloads are now authenticated through public key cryptography. So when IANA "assigns an IP address," they are changing their record (or really the regional authority changes their record). All other AS's can download and authenticate their records.

These records are important because ISP's can't take the word of other ISP's that they have the IP addresses. The ISP's can compare the BGP advertisement with the authenticated IP records. If any BGP advertisement shows the last AS as an AS other than what's in IANA's and RIR's authenticated record, the BGP advertisement does not change their own routing.

More commonly, a rogue ISP or AS can advertise they have a route through their AS they don't have. AS1 has an IP registered and AS5 currently uses AS5 -> AS4 -> AS3 -> AS1 -> IP. AS2 advertises to AS5 a route of AS5 -> AS2 -> AS1 -> IP. Except AS2 doesn't actually have a connection with AS1. It can just lose the packets, maybe to frustrate AS1's hosting customers. Or AS2 could be a small company network with a multihomed arrangement with AS5 and AS1. Their router is misconfigured and advertises a path through a small company network. Nearly all ISP's throw away such advertisements of their BGP customers and only pass on terminating BGP advertisements.

More likely, you have the case of Pakistan trying to shut off Youtube in Pakistan through such IP hijacking, and shutting off Youtube outside of Pakistan too since AS's outside of Pakistan assumed their BGP advertisements were correct.

In the end, there isn't a perfect defense against such IP hijacking. In most countries like the US, such abuse of BGP can be punished as breach of contract and other ISP's will shut off peering connections with that AS if they have to. An ISP could also disregard the whole IANA and RIR apparatus and redirect the IP addresses to their own servers. That won't work for any https sites though, assuming the ISP doesn't have the private keys for any CA's. There is very little to gain from it economically. It only happens with authoritarian governments, such as Egypt recently shutting off all BGP advertisements to their ISP's from outside the country.

DNS Servers

DNS is somewhat simpler once the IP tables are correct. The root servers are all hardcorded IP addresses in the DNS server code. a.root-servers.net is 198.41.0.4 and the IP address is anycast within one AS. In the case of a.root-servers.net, the AS is Verisign and there are five different sites. In the US, the two sites are New York and LA. Anycasting is like if you had an address of 123 Main Street and you said "It doesn't matter what town you are in, go to 123 Main Street and you'll find one of my businesses." Both 123 Main Street in NY and LA will give the same answer for all top-level domains. The AS, in this case Verisign, figures out internally which server has the fewest hops through OSPF, internal BGP, and other routing protocols. So a router in Denver may go to LA while a router in Chicago goes to New York. The same routing process can be used for Anycast hosts because the hosts don't offer to route traffic.

One of the root servers gives which IP address for the com top-level domain. Then that domain gives the domain for yoursite.com. The registrars really have a contract with whoever runs the top-level domain. So if the top-level domain currently doesn't have a record for yoursite.com, it has access to add a record with their who-is server. Then, with the access the registrar gave you to yoursite.com's DNS records, you change the records in their DNS server to go to your IP address.

Because DNS all depends on multiple IP addresses going to the right place, you have the same issue as before with AS's authenticating the IP registry and then the BGP assignments. That is the key piece for an http website. Https has the added protection of certificates. So, an ISP can't reroute requests for their own root servers and top-level domain servers to give their own IP for, say, citibank.com. If they did, the IP address given to the user will be a different IP address, but their server won't have Citibank's private key.

and no, I'm not kidding(I got started with this book 15 years ago, but it's still very relevant): http://www.amazon.com/Internet-Dummies-John-R-Levine/dp/0764506749

Then, come back here with the BGP questions =)

• 2 It looks like the first part of your answer go chopped off somehow. –  John Gardeniers Commented Jun 1, 2011 at 1:34

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Table of Contents

What is an IP address?

An Internet Protocol (IP) address is like a phone number for your computer. Just like you need to dial a phone number to reach someone, your computer (or computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet) needs an IP address to reach other devices on the network.

The history of IPv4 dates back to the early 1980s when the internet was a private network solely used by the military. Despite its initial intended purpose, it quickly grew in popularity, leading to an eventual shortage of IPv4 addresses due to all the different networks and devices now accessing the internet. 

The total pool of 4.3 billion IPv4 addresses initially seemed like ample amounts; however, this figure quickly proved incapable of meeting demands. The depletion of available IPv4 began as early as the 1990s. Clever technical networking tricks have managed to delay this exhaustion and allow us access to IPv4 transactions even today.

IPv6 is the most recent variation of the Internet Protocol, granting more computer systems and devices access to the internet than ever before. IPv6 is designed to enable routing only within a local area network (LAN) or subnetwork.

How IP addressing works

There are two types of IP addresses, IPv4 and IPv6, and they work a little differently from each other—specifically, IPv4 is a 32-bit address while IPv6 is 128 bits.

IPv4 addressing

IPv4 uses 32 bits, and its address format is usually a unique string of numbers and letters that looks something like this: 123.123.123.123. Each IP address comprises four sets of numbers separated by periods, each ranging from 0 to 255.

IPv4 addresses are composed of two parts: the network ID and the host ID. The network ID identifies the network a device is connected to, while the host ID identifies a specific device on that network.

The network ID is typically expressed in dotted decimal notation, which is a series of three numbers separated by dots. Each number can range from 0 to 255, forming an 8-bit binary number. The host ID is also expressed in dotted decimal notation, but it can be any combination of numbers up to 32 bits long.

For example, take the IP address 192.168.1.20.

The first part, 192.168.1, represents the network ID, while the last part, 20, represents the device ID.

Usually, a device ID 1 is allocated to the router while subsequent numbers 2 and onwards are used to identify other devices on the network.

Together, these two parts make up an IPv4 address and allow devices to communicate with each other over the internet. By knowing both the network ID and host ID, devices can send and receive data from one another without knowing each other’s exact location or IP address.

IPv6 addressing

Like IPv4, an IPv6 address is made up of two distinct parts: a network component and a participant/node component. However, IPv6 uses 128 bits for its address instead of the 32 bits allowed by IPv4. This provides users with a much greater range of addresses than IPv4, enabling every device to have a unique address.

Represented in hexadecimal format, each IPv6 address includes eight groups separated by colons. For example, 2620:0aba2:0d01:2042:0100:8c4d:d370:72b4.

6 types of IP addresses

Within the two types of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, there are also several other classifications to be aware of: internal versus external IPv4, static versus dynamic IP addresses, and special address formats for particular purposes.

Internal IPv4 addresses (local/private)

Internal IPv4 addresses are used for private networks, such as LANs. They’re not visible on the public internet; only devices connected to the same subnetwork can see each other’s internal IP address. These IP addresses generally start with 192.168.x.x, 10.0.x.x, or 172.16-31.x.x and cannot be accessed from directly outside the network. In other words, they are not globally routable.

External IPv4 addresses (public)

External IPv4 addresses are used to connect to the public internet and make websites available on the World Wide Web. They’re assigned by internet service providers (ISPs) and are usually dynamic, meaning they can change over time. They do not start with 192.168 or 10.0, as these numbers signify private IP addresses. Being public IP addresses means they’re globally routable.

Static IP addresses

A static IP address remains constant over time, allowing for a more reliable connection on the network. This type of address is beneficial when computers need to access the same resource regularly, such as remote desktop access and file sharing between devices. Static IPs remain unchanged until manually changed by an administrator.

Dynamic IP addresses

A dynamic IP address changes each time you connect to a new network. This type of address is beneficial for reducing the amount of IP address space needed from the ISP, as well as providing a more secure connection. Dynamic IP addresses are assigned to each computer or device on the network when they join it. External IP addresses are almost always dynamic.

Special IP addresses

Special IP addresses are used to identify particular services, such as servers, web hosting, and other uses. These special-use IP addresses include the IANA IPv4 Special-Purpose Address Registry, loopback addresses, wildcard addresses, multicast addresses, limited broadcasts, and directed broadcasts.

IANA IPv4 Special-Purpose Address Registry

IANA IPv4 Special-Purpose Address Registry is a registry managed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) for protocol assignments in the address block of 192.0.0.0/24. It consists of all the current IETF assignments from this particular address block and provides a convenient centralized database for tracking protocol assignment usage. It’s an important resource for those needing special-purpose IP addresses, as it provides easy access to the latest updates and provides information about IETF-assigned protocol assignments.

Loopback address

A loopback address is a special IP address that serves as a virtual interface, allowing your computer to connect to itself. It’s usually used for testing or diagnostics purposes, such as checking network configurations and running programs that require two or more network connections simultaneously. On IPv4, this address ranges from 127.0.0.1 to 127.255.255.255.

Wildcard address

A wildcard address is a special IP address that matches any host or domain name, allowing for a broad range of access from the same source IP address. It’s commonly used for websites and applications needing multiple services from the same IP address. Wildcard addresses are usually in the form of an asterisk (*) followed by a number or string that matches any IP address.

Multicast address

A multicast address is a special type of IP address used for sending data to multiple computers on a network simultaneously. It’s a helpful tool for sending large files, such as multimedia streams and video, as it reduces bandwidth usage by sending the same data stream to multiple computers at once. Multicast addresses range between 224.0.0.1 and 239.255.255.255 on IPv4 networks.

Limited broadcast

A limited broadcast is a special type of IP address used to send data to a specific subnet. It’s used to find the gateway address on a network or to send messages out to all hosts within a certain range. Limited broadcasts are usually in the form of an IP address with all 255s in the last octet.

Directed broadcast

A directed broadcast is a special type of IP address used to send data to all computers on an external network. It’s usually used for network administration, such as notifying all computers on the network about a change in configuration or retrieving information from multiple sources.

Different formats of IPv6 addresses

Since IPv6 addresses consist of 128 bits (in contrast to IPv4’s 32 bits), they allow for much greater variation and flexibility than IPv4. Three of the most common types of IPv6 addresses are global unicast, link local, and unique local addresses.

Global unicast address

Global unicast addresses are globally unique IP addresses assigned to a single interface or host. These addresses are used for communication between two systems over the public internet, or within a private network. Global unicast addresses are structured in eight 16-bit blocks, each separated by a colon (e.g., 2001:0db8:0000:0000:0000:ff00:0042:8329).

Link-local address

Link-local addresses are used for communication between nodes on the same local link or subnet. Link-local addresses are not routable over the public internet but can be used within a private network. Link-local addresses start with fe80::/10 and have a 64-bit interface identifier appended at the end (e.g., fe80::d3b0:f2f7:a5b1).

Unique local address

Unique local addresses (ULAs) are similar to global unicast addresses, but they are only intended for use within private networks and cannot be routed over the public internet. ULAs start with fc00::/7 and have a 40-bit randomly generated interface identifier appended at the end (e.g., fd37:6c82:f9a5::1).

How to find your IP address

Knowing your IP address can be useful in many different ways, from troubleshooting network issues to accessing geo-restricted content. Here’s how you can look up your IP address on Mac and Windows computers.

How to find your IP address on a Mac (OS X 10.5 and later)

There are two methods for finding your IP address on macOS devices: through your System Preferences, or in your macOS Terminal.

How to find your IP address in macOS using System Preferences

• Go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
• Click on Network.
• Select your active network connection, such as AirPort or Ethernet, from the list on the left.
• Your IP address will be displayed in the IPv4 Address field to the right.

How to find your IP address in macOS Terminal

• Open the Terminal application located in Applications > Utilities.
• For Ethernet: ipconfig getifaddr en1
• For Wi-Fi: ipconfig getifaddr en0
• For public IP address: curl ifconfig.me
• The command will return your IP address.

How to find your IP address on Windows 11

On Windows, you can find your IP address in your system settings, or via command prompt.

• How to find your IP address in your Windows Settings
• Open the Settings app.
• Click on Network & internet.
• Click Properties, and scroll down to see your IP address.

How to find your IP address in Windows using Command Prompt

• Open the Command Prompt by typing cmd into the Windows search bar.
• To find your public IP address, type nslookup myip.opendns.com. resolver1.opendns.com into the Command Prompt and press Enter.
• Your IP address will be listed under IPv4 Address.

How to find your IP address on any device

The fastest and easiest way to find your public IPv4 or IPv6 address is simply to fire up Google, type in “my ip,” and click search.

Why you might want to know your IP address

One of the most common reasons you would want to find your IP address is to troubleshoot network issues. Your IP address can help you identify problems with your internet connection or router, as well as help diagnose any technical issues you may be having with other devices on the same network.

You may also want to access geo-restricted content. Many websites and streaming services use your IP address to determine where you are located and block access if you’re outside their allowed area. Knowing your IP address can help you bypass these restrictions by using a virtual private network (VPN) .

In addition, knowing your IP address is necessary when setting up new devices on your network. For example, when configuring a wireless printer or router, you must know the IP address to connect it properly.

Further, if you need to access a device remotely over the internet, you’ll need to know its IP address and your own to configure the connection.

Finally, some people are just curious. It’s always interesting to know more about how the internet works, and understanding what an IP address is and how it functions can be a great way to learn more about the technology behind it all.

IP address security threats

IP address information is valuable to cybercriminals, as it can be used to track and target you or your business. Some of the main security threats include tracking and online stalking, spoofing, hacking your devices, or attacking your network.

• Tracking and online stalking: Criminals or people/entities with nefarious intentions can use IP address information to find out where you are geographically located and use other services to determine your identity or even where you live.
• Spoofing: Spoofing attacks are when a cyber attacker creates data packets with a false IP source address in order to trick the firewall or receiver into believing it’s safe.
• Hacking your devices: Knowing your IP address can allow malicious actors to identify vulnerabilities in your device and attempt to gain access or even seize control.
• Attacking your network: Cybercriminals can also use IP addresses to target a group of devices, such as a home network or business servers, in an attempt to gain access and carry out malicious activities. Knowing the IP addresses of an organization is also a prelude to a DDoS attack .

Many of these risks can be mitigated by using a virtual private network (VPN) or taking other security measures, such as regularly changing your IP address and maintaining an effective, advanced firewall .

Bottom line: Understanding IP addresses

IP addresses are an integral component of the internet and how it functions. It’s important to understand the basics of how IP addresses work and the different types of IP addresses.

Knowing your own IP address can come in handy for purposes as diverse as gaming, setting up remote access, or troubleshooting network issues.

It’s also important to be aware of the potential security threats associated with having an active IP address and take the necessary steps to mitigate the risks.

Using a virtual private network (VPN) to hide your IP address can help protect your network and let you browse more freely. Here’s a guide to the top VPN services available today.

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Understanding IP Address: An Introductory Guide

Every device connected to the internet or local network has an IP address.

Yes, even your smartphone, smart TV, and smart speakers have it. You might have heard about IP addresses, and you may have also seen how they look – those series of numbers separated by dots or colons.

An IP address is an address to which the information you request from the internet arrives.

For example, when you search for your favorite movie on the internet, the search engine takes a while to load the results and show them to you on the screen. A lot goes in the back that you can’t see. Without your IP address, your request will land nowhere.

That’s how important an IP address is.

So, let’s understand IP addresses in detail and some key information associated with them.

What Is IP?

To understand an IP address, it’s important to learn what IP is in the first place.

Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of governing rules for data packets, data format, or datagram sent through a local network or the internet. It is a connectionless and datagram-oriented protocol as it works on a dynamic computer network.

An IP works without a centralized monitor or directory and never relies on a node or link. Hence, each data packet must have the source and destination’s IP address and other key information to get delivered successfully.

What Is An IP Address?

An Internet Protocol Address (IP address) refers to a unique address or numerical label designated for each device connected in a computer network using the Internet Protocol (IP) for communication.

Example of an IP address: 192.16.2.1

Simply put, IP addresses identify a device on a local network or the internet and allow data to be transmitted between the devices, containing location information while making devices accessible for easy communication. IP addresses offer a great way of differentiating between different devices like computers, printers, websites, routers, etc.

An IP address is used for two purposes:

• Location finding
• Identifying host/network interface

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) manages IP addresses globally. And, 5 Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) manage them in designated regions and assign them to local internet registries like end-users and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

How Does An IP Address Work?

An IP address works in the same way as your house address does for you. If you want to receive a letter or a parcel from a courier, you need to give the sender your house address. Similarly, if you want to receive electronic mail or data from the web, your connected device or computer needs to have an internet address so that the sender can identify it and send the data.

Whether it is your computer, tablet, smartphone, smart lights, thermostat, baby monitor, or anything else connected to the internet, every device has to have an internet number or address to establish a connection and communicate with other devices using a set of guidelines or protocols.

This is why every site like Amazon or Netflix also consists of an IP address to communicate with you and send the information you requested. However, they keep a name instead of their IP address, for example, Amazon.com and Netflix.com, to help you find them easily. Otherwise, you had to type this long set of numbers for every site you visit. Names are easier to remember than numbers.

Now, you may ask how IP addresses are allocated to each device.

An IP address is not random; it is produced mathematically and allocated by the IANA.

In the above example of an IP address – 192.16.2.1, you can see that it is represented as a set of 4 numbers separated by a period. Each number can range from 0 to 255 in this set. So, the full range of IP addresses can go from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.

Types of IP Addresses

IP addresses are of different categories, each with different types.

#1. Public and Private

A business or individual having an internet service has IP addresses of two types: private and public. These IP addresses are based on the network location.

• Private IP Address: It is used inside the computer network within your home or office. Every device (computer, smartphone, speakers, smart TV, etc.) connecting to your network consists of a private IP address assigned by your router.

As the usage of different devices is growing, the number of IP addresses at home grows with it. Hence, your router must find a way to detect these systems separately, which is why it generates unique private IP addresses for each of them, differentiating devices on your network. Devices outside the private network will not be able to access the private IP addresses.

• Public IP address: It is used outside your home or office computer network. Each device connected to the public network or internet will have its IP address assigned by the Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISPs have a wide range of IP addresses for customers, and they allocate a public IP address to your router.

External devices use public IP addresses to find your device over the internet. A public IP address is of two types: static and dynamic.

#2. Static and Dynamic

• Static IP addresses: They are consistent and don’t change regularly or automatically. Once the ISP assigns it, the IP stays the same.

Every business or individual does not need a static IP address. But if you want to host your own server, you must have a static IP address. It ensures your email address and sites tied to a static IP address have the same IP consistently. As a result, external devices can find you easily on the internet.

• Dynamic IP address: These IP addresses change regularly and automatically, unlike static addresses. ISPs have a pool of unassigned IP addresses, which they assign to customers who sign in to their internet service. A customer uses the assigned IP address as long as they are connected to the internet. When the customer stops using the service or disconnects from the internet, the assigned IP address becomes free and returns to the pool of unassigned IP addresses. These dynamic addresses are re-assigned to other customers.

This approach saves ISPs costs, and they don’t need to perform specific tasks to re-establish a user’s IP address time and again. In addition, it also ensures security as changing IP addresses makes it difficult for hackers to zero in on one user.

We have earlier discussed static IP addresses for businesses wanting to own a server for their sites. Similarly, there are website IP addresses of two types as well.

#3. Shared and Dedicated IP address

• Shared IP address: Website owners relying on a shared hosting service from a web host will get a server shared by other sites. It is suitable for small-scale businesses, bloggers, portfolio sites, etc., where traffic is less. They will have a shared IP address.
• Dedicated IP addresses: Larger sites are looking for a more secure option, and pro gamers who want better control over their servers can go for dedicated hosting plans. They can buy a dedicated IP address. It helps you obtain SSL certificates easily and lets you run your FTP server.

Hence, you can share files with different people securely within your organization or go anonymous. Furthermore, you can even access your site with your IP address instead of your domain name.

#4. Logical and Physical

• Logical IP address: It is assigned by the software inside a server or router and may or may not change periodically. For instance, your laptop can have a different IP address if you connect it to another hotspot.
• Physical IP address: Every hardware unit is built with a unique IP address that never changes. This is a physical IP address. You can use a resolution protocol to convert a logical IP address to a physical one to identify a device in your IP network.

IP Versions: IPv4 and IPv6

There are two versions of IP commonly in use – IPv4, and IPv6. Each version represents an IP address in a different way.

Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4)

The original IP version deployed in the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) for the first time in 1983 was IPv4. It is used widely in many corporations. Due to its prevalence, the terminology “IP address” still commonly refers to those addresses that IPv4 defines.

IPv4 represents an IP address in the form of a 32-bit number, consisting of 4 numbers separated by periods. Each number represents a decimal (base-10) for an 8-digit binary number (base-2) or octet. It allows IP addresses.

As explained earlier, each of the 4 numbers in an IPv4 address ranges from 0-255.

Example: 172.16.254.1, 192.16.2.1, 192.26.254.1, 172.0.16.0, etc.

Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)

Due to the tremendous growth of the web, IPv4 addresses started depleting around the 1990s. As a result, the scarcity of IP address space became grave to assign them to the ISPs and end-users.

This pressurized the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to innovate and explore technologies to extend the internet’s address capability. They eventually redesigned the IP as IPv6 in 1995. It went through a series of testing until the 2000s when its commercial deployment began.

In IPv6, the address space was increased to 128 bits or 16 octets (from 32 bits or 8 octets in IPv4). IPv6 is represented by 8 sets of 4 hexadecimal digits, where each number set is separated with the help of a colon and may contain letters and digits.

Example: 2001:0DB8:AC10:0000:0011:AAAA:2C4A:FE01

Yes, it’s super long, but some conventions help abbreviate them.

• You can eliminate leading zeros from a number group. For example – :0021: can be :21:
• Consecutive zeros can be written as a double colon, and it’s allowed only one in an IP address, provided you maintain 8 sections in it.

For example, 2001:0DB8:AC10::0011 would need you to add four sections of zeros instead of a double colon. It becomes, 2001:0DB8:AC10:0000:0000:0000:0000:0011.

The intention behind creating IPv6 is to expand the space and redesign routing by aggregating subnetwork routing prefixes more efficiently. It slowed down routing tables growing in the routers. It also changes the routing prefix of the whole network automatically. So, even if the routing policy or global connectivity policy changes, it won’t need manual renumbering or internal redesigning.

You may ask why IP versions 4 and 6, where are others between and after them?

Here’s the answer.

In reality, other versions were defined, from versions 1 to 9, but only versions 4 and 6 found widespread use. Version 1 and 2 were TCP protocol names in 1974 and ’77 to separate the IP specification at that time. Moreover, version 3 was introduced in 1978, where v3.1 was the first ever version in which TCP got separated from IP. Next, version 5 that surfaced in 1979 was the experimental protocol – Internet Stream Protocol.

IPv6 is a combination of various versions – v6, v7, v8, and v9.

Does your website support IPv6? Use the IPv6 testing tool to find out.

What Are Subnetworks and Classes of An IP Address?

Subnetworks.

IP networks can be categorized into subnetworks for IPv4 and IPv6 both. Hence, an IP address has two parts:

• Network prefix in higher bits
• Host identifier (interface identifier or rest field)

Subnetworks involve a subnet mask or a CIDR notation to determine how an IP address is separated into the host and network parts. “Subnet” is the term used for IPv4 only. However, both versions utilize CIDR notation and concepts.

In subnets, an IP address has a slash at the end with the number of bits in decimal to represent the network part, also known as the routing prefix. Most subnet masks begin with 255 and end when the network part ends. Example: 255.255.255.0

Another example, suppose 172.0.2.1 is an IPv4 address, and 255.255.255.0 is its subnet. For this, CIDR notation can be 172.16.2.1/24. Here, the IP address’s first 24 bits represent the subnet and network.

IP Address Class

Initially, the network part had the highest-order octet. This approach allowed just 256 networks, which started becoming insufficient as more networks developed. It led to the revision of address specifications to introduce classful network design.

This design facilitated fine-grained subnetwork architecture and assigning a greater number of individual networks. In this, the first 3 bits of the most significant octet in an IP address represented the address “class.” And it defined 3 classes – A, B, and C.

Also, the IPv4 system allowed addresses between 0.0.0.0 and 255.255.255.255. But some numbers are reserved for certain purposes on TCP or IP networks. The IANA recognizes these reservations. They are divided into:

• 0.0.0.0: This is the default network that shows a device is connected to an IP and TCP network.
• 255.255.255.255: It’s for network broadcasts that must reach every computer connected to a network.
• 127.0.0.1: It’s for a computer to check whether it has got an AP address assigned or not.
• 169.254.0.1-169.254.255.254: It’s the Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) with a pool of IP addresses automatically assigned on detecting that a computer is unsuccessful in getting an IP address from any DHFC servers.
• Other IP addresses belong to subnet classes.

As a subnet is itself a small computer network connected to a large network via a router, it can have an address system to facilitate communication between computers in its network without sending any data across the bigger network. Furthermore, a router can be configured to detect subnets and perform suitable traffic routing.

So, here are some of the reserved IP addresses for subnets or classes:

How to Lookup An IP Address?

If you want to check your router’s IP address, hop on to Google and ask what your IP address is. It will display the answer right at the top. It’s actually your public IP address.

You can refer to many other sites to obtain the same data. As you make a request using your router while visiting websites, they will have your IP information. You can go to   WhatIsMyIP.com , WhatIsMyIPAddress.com , etc., to find out your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses and, perhaps, your location.

Also, if you are interested to know more information about an IP address you already know, here are some of the tools/sites you can use. They will help you find information about an IP address like location, city, ISP, owner, etc.

• IP Location Lookup : This is an easy-to-use tool that helps you get all the key information you need about an IP address. Just enter an IP address to see where it is located and who owns it. It will show you its country, region, city, and ISP.
• WhatIsMyIPAddress.com : This is another good site that will show IP information. Try copying and pasting an IP address in the search bar and hit the button next to it to find data like the hostname, ISP, organization’s name, the state/region, city, longitude, and latitude, area code, and known services it runs.

Now, why you would need information on other IP addresses?

A business can know others’ IP addresses to find the location where they are running their business. It is pretty common for advertisers, organizations, service sites, etc., to obtain IP address information for promotions, ads, and other purposes.

What are the ways to know others’ IP addresses or other people to know yours?

Here’s how:

• Through email HTML bugs, embedded code in an image to tell the sender you read the email along with your IP address.
• By borrowing a computer to find its IP address
• From your email address, web server logs, internet forums, blog comments, social media, and messaging apps.
• Via a court order to investigate online activity by the FBI and other legal bodies

However, you can mask your IP address using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that routes you to another network using a different IP.

What Are Security Threats Related to IP Addresses?

Due to various techniques available, cyberattackers are targeting IP addresses to inject their harmful intent. Threats related to IP addresses can be:

• Online stalking to get your IP address from activities like video games, comments on forums and sites, etc. to inject malware, impersonation, or phishing attacks
• Social engineering to find you via a messaging app like Skype, prompting you to reveal your IP address

There are risks involved when:

• Cyber Attackers track your location using geolocation technology
• Targeting your network directly to launch DDoS attacks
• Forced connection through ports to take over a device and steal data
• Downloading illegal content from your IP address

How to Protect Your IP Address?

If you can hide your IP address, you can protect your device, online identity , and data. There are two ways to go about it:

• Using a VPN is a safer option where your device acts like it’s on the same network locally as the VPN. Thus, you can safely access the network even from another country or browse geo-blocked sites. Example: NordVPN , Surfshark , Proton VPN , etc.
• Using a proxy server provides an intermediary web server through which your traffic gets routed. It masks your original IP address and shows the proxy server’s IP address. Example: Bright Data , Smartproxy , etc.

Conclusion 👩‍🏫

This discussion on IP addresses will you get started with the concept and explore its terminologies. It will also help you find your IP address and of others’ as well using some tools. Finally, you can learn to map the risks involved with IP addresses and how to mitigate them .

Next, learn about the domain name systems (DNS).

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What Is an IP Address?

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What is an IP address? Every machine on a network has a unique identifier. Just as you would address a letter to send in the mail, computers use the unique identifier to send data to specific computers on a network.

Most networks today, including all computers on the internet , use the TCP/IP protocol as the standard for how to communicate on the network. In the TCP/IP protocol, the unique identifier for a computer is called its IP address.

There are two standards for IP addresses: IP Version 4 (IPv4) and IP Version 6 (IPv6). All computers with IP addresses have an IPv4 address, and most use the new IPv6 address system as well. Here are the differences between the two address types:

• IPv4 uses 32 binary bits to create a single unique address on the network. An IPv4 address is expressed by four numbers separated by dots. Each number is the decimal (base-10) representation for an eight-digit binary (base-2) number, also called an octet. For example: 216.27.61.137
• IPv6 uses 128 binary bits to create a single unique address on the network. An IPv6 address is expressed by eight groups of hexadecimal (base-16) numbers separated by colons, as in 2001:cdba:0000:0000:0000:0000:3257:9652. Groups of numbers that contain all zeros are often omitted to save space, leaving a colon separator to mark the gap (as in 2001:cdba::3257:9652).

At the dawn of IPv4 addressing, the internet wasn't the large commercial sensation it is today, and most networks were private and closed off from other networks around the world. When the internet exploded, having only 32 bits to identify a unique internet address caused concerns that we'd run out of IP addresses before long.

Under IPv4, there are 232 possible combinations, which offers just under 4.3 billion unique addresses. IPv6 raised that to a stress-relieving 2,128 possible addresses. Later, we'll take a closer look at how to understand your computer's IPv4 or IPv6 addresses.

How Computers Get IP Addresses

Internet addresses and subnets, understanding private and public ip addresses, the role of ip addresses in digital communication.

An IP address can be either dynamic or static. A static address is a permanently assigned address. A static IP address that is assigned by an internet service provider is rare. You can assign static IP addresses to devices on your local network, but it can create network issues if you use it without a good understanding of TCP/IP.

Dynamic IP addresses are the most common. They're assigned by the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), a service running on the network. DHCP typically runs on network hardware such as routers or dedicated DHCP servers.

A dynamic IP address is issued using a leasing system, meaning that the IP address is only active for a limited time. If the lease expires, the computer will automatically request a new lease. Sometimes, this means the computer will get a new IP address, too, especially if the computer was unplugged from the network between leases.

This process is usually transparent to the user unless the computer warns about an IP address conflict on the network (two computers with the same IP address). An address conflict is rare, and today's technology typically fixes the problem automatically.

Next, let's take a closer look at the important parts of an IP address and the special roles of certain addresses.

Earlier, you read that IPv4 addresses represent four eight-digit binary numbers. That means that each number could be 00000000 to 11111111 in binary, or 0 to 255 in decimal (base-10). In other words, 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.

However, some numbers in that range are reserved for specific purposes on TCP/IP networks. These reservations are recognized by the authority on TCP/IP addressing, the internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). Four specific reservations include the following:

• 0.0.0.0: This represents the default network, which is the abstract concept of just being connected to a TCP/IP network.
• 255.255.255.255: This address is reserved for network broadcasts, or messages that should go to all computers on the network.
• 127.0.0.1: This is called the loopback address, meaning your computer's way of identifying itself, whether or not it has an assigned IP address.
• 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254: This is the Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) range of addresses assigned automatically when a computer's unsuccessful getting an address from a DHCP server.

The other IP address reservations are for subnet classes. A subnetwork is a smaller network of computers connected to a larger network through a router. The subnet can have its own address system so computers on the same subnet can communicate quickly without sending data across the larger network.

A router on a TCP/IP network, including the internet, is configured to recognize one or more subnets and route network traffic appropriately. The following are the IP addresses reserved for subnets:

• 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255: This falls within the Class A address range of 1.0.0.0 to 127.0.0.0, in which the first bit is 0.
• 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255: This falls within the Class B address range of 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.0.0, in which the first two bits are 10.
• 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255: This falls within the Class C range of 192.0.0.0 through 223.255.255.0, in which the first three bits are 110.
• Multicast (formerly called Class D): The first four bits in the address are 1110, with addresses ranging from 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255.
• Reserved for future/experimental use (formerly called Class E) : addresses 240.0.0.0 to 254.255.255.254.

The first three (within Classes A, B and C) are those most used in creating subnets. Later, we'll see how a subnet uses these addresses. The IANA has outlined specific uses for multicast addresses within internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) document RFC 5771. However, it hasn't designated a purpose or future plan for Class E addresses since it reserved the block in its 1989 document RFC 1112. Before IPv6, the internet was filled with debate about whether the IANA should release Class E for general use.

Next, let's see how subnets work and find out who has those non-reserved IP addresses out on the internet.

In Windows, search for "cmd" (without the quotes) using Windows search and hit Enter. In the resulting pop-up box, type "ipconfig" (no quote marks). For Macs, go to System Preferences, select Network, and you should see it. For mobile phone IP addresses, go to Settings, then WiFi and to the network you're on. The IP address might be found under "Advanced" or "(i)" depending on the type of phone you have.

The following is an example of a subnet IP address you might have on your computer at home if you're using a router (wireless or wired) between your ISP connection and your computer:

• IP address: 192.168.1.102
• Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
• Twenty-four bits (three octets) reserved for network identity
• Eight bits (one octet) reserved for nodes
• Subnet identity based on subnet mask (first address): 192.168.1.0
• The reserved broadcast address for the subnet (last address): 192.168.1.255
• Example addresses on the same network: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.1.103
• Example addresses not on the same network: 192.168.2.1, 192.168.2.103

Besides reserving IP addresses, the IANA is also responsible for assigning blocks of IP addresses to certain entities, usually commercial or government organizations. Your internet service provider (ISP) may be one of these entities, or it may be part of a larger block under the control of one of those entities. When you connect to the internet , your ISP assigns you one of these addresses. You can see a full list of IANA assignments and reservations for IPv4 addresses at IANA's website [source: IANA ].

If you only connect one computer to the internet, that computer can use the address from your ISP. Many homes today, though, use routers to share a single internet connection between multiple computers.

If you use a router to share an internet connection, the router gets the IP address issued directly from the ISP. Then, it creates and manages a subnet for all the computers connected to that router. If your computer's address falls into one of the reserved subnet ranges listed earlier, you're going through a router rather than connecting directly to the internet.

IP addresses on a subnet have two parts: network and node. The network part identifies the subnet itself. The node, also called the host, is an individual piece of computer equipment connected to the network and requiring a unique address. Each computer knows how to separate the two parts of the IP address by using a subnet mask. A subnet mask looks somewhat like an IP address, but it's actually just a filter used to determine which part of an IP address designates the network and node [source: Solarwinds ].

A subnet mask consists of a series of 1 bits followed by a series of 0 bits. The 1 bits indicate those that should mask the network bits in the IP address, revealing only those that identify a unique node on that network. In the IPv4 standard, the most commonly used subnet masks have complete octets of 1s and 0s as follows:

• 255.0.0.0.0 = 11111111.00000000.00000000.00000000 = eight bits for networks, 24 bits for nodes
• 255.255.0.0 = 11111111.11111111.00000000.00000000 = 16 bits for networks, 16 bits for nodes
• 255.255.255.0 = 11111111. 11111111.11111111.00000000 = 24 bits for networks, eight bits for nodes

People who set up large networks determine what subnet mask works best based on the number of desired subnets or nodes. For more subnets, use more bits for the network; for more nodes per subnet, use more bits for the nodes. This may mean using non-standard mask values. For instance, if you want to use 10 bits for networks and 22 for nodes, your subnet mask value would require using 11000000 in the second octet, resulting in a subnet mask value of 255.192.0.0.

Another important thing to note about IP addresses in a subnet is that the first and last addresses are reserved. The first address identifies the subnet itself, and the last address identifies the broadcast address for systems on that subnet.

Learning to distinguish between private and public IP addresses is important too. These classifications serve different purposes, both of which are fundamental to how devices communicate over the internet and within local networks [source: Mitchell ].

Allocation and Registration

Public ip addresses are globally unique and must be registered wit the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority or a local internet registry. This is done to ensure that each public IP address is distinct and can be accessed over the internet.

On the other hand, private IP addresses are not registered or controlled by a central authority. They are allocated for use within private networks, like those found in homes, schools, and offices.

Accessibility and Scope

As mentioned above, a public IP address is accessible over the internet, which makes them essential for external network communication. They are assigned to devices that need to be directly accessible from outside the local network. This includes things like web servers, email servers, and routers that connect a local network to the web.

A private IP address allows multiple devices within the same network to communicate with each other. These addresses can't be accessed directly from outside the network.

Security and Cost

The public nature of public IP addresses necessitates careful management. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security measures are often necessary to protect devices with public IPs from unauthorized access by security threats.

Again, private IP addresses operate on a closed circuit, which creates a level of isolation that makes them safer. Moreover, since private IPs are freely available and reusable in different networks, they help conserve the limited supply of public IP addresses and reduce costs for organizations and individuals.

Few concepts are as central to modern communication as the internet protocol address. IP addresses enable devices from all over the globe to find and communicate with one another in the blink of an eye! Despite how far the internet has come, IP addresses remain indispensable cogs that enable the wheel of the internet to continue moving.

As you've learned, an IP address is a fundamental element that underpins the connectivity and functionality of our digital world. And, by unpacking the nature and function of IP addresses, we not only gain a deeper appreciation for the mechanics at play, but also empower ourselves to navigate and shape the communications landscape with more confidence.

When you add a computer to a network that computer uses a four-step process to get an IP address from DHCP:

• Discover: The computer sends out a broadcast message on the network, hoping to discover a DHCP service provider.
• Offer: Each DHCP provider hears the message, recognizes the unique hardware address of the computer, and sends a message back offering its services to that computer.
• Request: The computer selects a DHCP provider from its offerings and then sends a request to that provider asking for an IP address assignment.
• Acknowledge: The targeted DHCP provider acknowledges the request and issues an IP address to the computer that doesn't match any other IP addresses currently active on the network.

Lots More Information

Related articles.

• How Domain Name Servers Work
• How internet Infrastructure Works
• How Routers Work
• How Web Servers Work
• How WiFi Works
• How do you hide your IP address?

More Great Links

• IP Address Range Calculator
• Das, Kaushik. "IPv6 Addressing." IPv6.com Inc. (July 5, 2020) http://ipv6.com/articles /general/IPv6-Addressing.htm
• Griffith, Eric. "How to Find Your IP Address." PC Mag. Feb. 25, 2019 (July 5, 2020) https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-find-your-ip-address
• W3 Schools.com. "TCP/IP Addressing." (July 5, 2020) http://w3schools.sinsixx.com/tcpip/tcpip_addressing.asp.htm

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IP Addresses: Explained

• Post author By Diana Bocco
• Post date June 25, 2024
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From your home computer to the sprawling servers of the Internet, every device relies on an IP address for communication.

Understanding IP addresses isn’t just for tech enthusiasts – it’s essential knowledge in our ever-growing, interconnected world.

Join us as we explain what an IP address is, how it works, the different types available, and why it’s a crucial component of life on the Internet.

What is an IP address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifier assigned to every device connected to a network.

This identifier, either a series of numbers, or numbers and letters, is what lets devices communicate with each other over the Internet. You can think of it as a mailing address for your computer, in that it tells other devices where to find you so they can send you information.

Without IP addresses, the Internet as we know it wouldn’t function. They’re essential for everything from browsing the web to sending emails, making all of our processes and communications possible.

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How does an IP address work?

IP addresses act as the digital equivalent of a postal address, helping data to find its destination.

When you send or receive data online, your device uses its IP address to identify itself and communicate with other devices.

This process involves several (simplified) key steps:

• Data packaging : Data is broken into packets, each containing the sender’s and receiver’s IP addresses.
• Routing : Routers direct these packets across the internet, using the IP addresses to determine the best path.
• Reassembly : Once the packets reach their destination, they are reassembled into the original data.

This system makes sure that your data, whether it’s an important email, a web page request, or a funny cat video, reaches the right destination and returns correctly.

Types of IP addresses

IP addresses come in several types, each serving a unique purpose. Understanding these types and their quirks helps in managing network configurations and maintaining connectivity.

Public IP address

A public IP address is assigned to your device by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is used to identify your device on the global Internet.

This basic address is needed for external communication and allows other devices on the Internet to locate and connect to your device.

Static IP address

A static IP address is a permanent address assigned to a device that doesn’t change, unlike dynamic IPs.

They’re commonly used for resources that need to be reliably accessible at the same address , like hosting websites, servers, or other services requiring consistent access.

Users can obtain a static IP by requesting it from their ISP, often for an additional fee.

Private IP address

A private IP address is used within a local network , such as in homes or offices, and is not accessible from the Internet.

These IP addresses allow devices within the same network to communicate with each other without exposing them to the global Internet.

Routers assign private IP addresses from a reserved range, provided by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). Multiple devices can share a single public IP address for Internet access using Network Address Translation (NAT).

Common private IP ranges include:

• 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
• 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
• 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255

Dynamic IP address

A dynamic IP address is temporarily assigned to a device each time it connects to the network. ISPs typically use dynamic addresses to manage and allocate their pool of IP addresses.

These addresses can change with each connection, making them suitable for general Internet use .

Dynamic IP addresses are assigned from a pool of available addresses and can vary each time you reconnect to the network, providing flexibility and guaranteeing more efficient use of the IP address space.

Special IP address ranges

Certain IP address ranges serve specific roles in network communication:

• 0.0.0.0: Designates a default network and acts as a placeholder for “any network.”
• 127.0.0.1: The loopback address, used to test network configurations on the local machine.
• 255.255.255.255: Utilized for broadcasting messages to all devices within a network.

IP address classes

IP addresses are categorized into different classes to accommodate various network sizes and functions:

• Class A: Spanning from 0.0.0.0 to 127.255.255.255, this class is assigned to large networks with extensive device connections.
• Class B: Ranging from 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255, it serves medium-sized networks.
• Class C: Covering 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255, it is designated for smaller networks.
• Class D: From 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255, this class is reserved for multicast transmissions, which are used for streaming media and other applications where data needs to be sent to multiple destinations simultaneously.
• Class E : Numbers from 240.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255 are set aside for experimental purposes and research.

IP address versions

IP addresses are available in two main versions, each with its own format and purpose. These versions are IPv4 and IPv6.

IPv4 address

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is the most widely used version of IP, and the one you’re probably most familiar with.

It uses a 32-bit address scheme allowing for approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses . This format consists of four decimal numbers, each ranging from 0 to 255, separated by periods.

Example : 192.168.1.1

Despite its limitations, IPv4 is still around today, due to its simplicity and widespread use. Techniques like Network Address Translation (NAT) help to mitigate the address shortage by allowing multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IPv4 address.

Advantages:

• Simplicity and widespread adoption.
• Compatibility with most devices and networks.

Limitations:

• Limited address space, which then led to the creation of IPv6.
• Inefficient address allocation in some cases.

IPv6 address

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) was developed to combat the limitations of IPv4, particularly the lack of available addresses from the massive influx of new devices in need of IPs.

IPv6 uses a 128-bit address scheme, providing a virtually unlimited number of unique addresses.

An IPv6 address is formatted as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons, making the pool of potential addresses drastically larger, and able to accommodate the billions of devices in need.

Example : 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 has been gradual, with many networks and devices now supporting both versions through dual-stack implementation. However, full adoption of IPv6 is still ongoing.

• Incredibly large address space, eliminating the risk of address exhaustion.
• Improved routing efficiency and security features.
• Slower adoption due to the need for compatible hardware and software.
• Complexity in transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6.

How to look up an IP address

Looking up an IP address can provide valuable information about the domain or network associated with it. Here’s how you can gather data about an IP address:

• For General IP Information (WHOIS):

Windows, Mac, Linux : Use the command whois [IP address or domain] in the terminal or command prompt to retrieve details about the IP address, such as the owner of the domain, contact information, and more.

• For Local IP Addresses:

Windows : Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see your local IP addresses.

Mac : Open Terminal and type ifconfig to view your local network interfaces and their IP addresses.

Linux : Type ip addr show in the terminal to list all network interfaces and their IP configurations.

• For External IP Routing Path (Traceroute):

Windows : Use tracert [website or IP address] in Command Prompt to see the path packets take to reach an external IP address.

Mac/Linux : Use traceroute [website or IP address] in the Terminal to view the route packets follow to a specific destination.

By correctly using these tools, you can gather comprehensive data on both the network routing and registration details associated with an IP address.

In summary, understanding IP addresses is like having a master key to the Internet. They’re the unseen magic that lets our devices talk to each other, making the Internet work as intended.

Whether you’re troubleshooting or optimizing your network, knowing about IP addresses is a game-changer for keeping your digital life running smoothly.

Dive into tools for managing and looking up IP addresses, and you’ll master the art of maintaining a robust and secure network.

Tip: Do you want to monitor your devices with ease and clarity? Check out our ping monitoring services , and get 50 monitors for free!

Want more? Have a look at the answers to these common questions.

How can you hide your IP address?

Hiding your IP address can be done in a few ways:

• Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN masks your IP address by routing your Internet traffic through a remote server.
• Proxy servers: These act as intermediaries between your device and the internet, hiding your IP address from the websites you visit.
• Tor Network: Tor anonymizes your Internet activity by bouncing your connection through multiple servers worldwide.

What is IP Spoofing?

IP spoofing is a deceptive technique used by cyber attackers to impersonate another device’s IP address. This is often done to gain unauthorized access to networks, launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, or mask the attacker’s true identity. The technique involves altering the IP packet header to make traffic appear as if it is coming from a trusted, legitimate source.

DDoS amplification is a potent type of DDoS attack that leverages IP spoofing to enhance its impact. In these attacks, an attacker sends a small amount of spoofed traffic to reflector servers which, unaware of the spoofing, send a disproportionate amount of response traffic to the targeted IP address. 

This is known as amplification. Common protocols that are vulnerable to DDoS amplification attacks include DNS, NTP, SSDP, and LDAP, all of which can be exploited using UDP. These protocols, when abused, significantly increase the volume of traffic directed at the victim, overwhelming their resources and leading to service disruptions.

Should you use a VPN? Is it useful?

Using a VPN is highly recommended for protecting your online privacy and security. A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, protecting your data from eavesdroppers and hackers.

It also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region. For businesses, VPNs are essential for securing remote work connections and protecting sensitive information.

Written by Diana Bocco

Diana Bocco is a writer specializing in turning SaaS jargon into snappy, marketable content. As a freelance writer and copywriter, she's teamed up with some of the coolest brands in the SaaS, B2C, and marketing sectors, including UptimeRobot. Diana's specialty? Taking a brand's story and expertise and shaping it into content that drives traffic, generates valuable leads, and builds a tight-knit community.

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How are ip addresses assigned.

When you're connected to a network, your computer or smart device will obtain an IP address either from your ISP or your router. There are 2 ways how you can assign an IP address to your device: (1) dynamically via DHCP or (2) statically by manually assigning an IP address yourself. In either case, you must use the IP address that is provided to you by your ISP, or the IP range you allocated yourself within your private space (i.e. private IP address).

How are IP addresses allocated?

Before we can discuss IP assignment, we need to understand how IP addresses are allocated. There are two versions of IP addresses: IPv4 (version 4) and IPv6 (version 6). There are numerical differences , but they essentially serves the same purpose by uniquely identifying a device on the Internet. There are a few organizations that allocate and manage IP addresses globally, and they are:

• ICAAN (The Internet Corporation for Names & Numbers): ICANN manages supply of all IPv4 and IPv6 addresses as well as domain name system ( DNS ) and Root Servers.
• IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority): IANA is a part of ICANN that maintains technical aspect of the DNS. DNS is the system that translates human-readable domain names to machine friendly IP addresses.
• ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers): ARIN is a region specific organization that manages IP addresses for the USA, Canada, Caribbean and North Atlantic islands.
• ISP (Internet Service Providers): ISPs reach out to ARIN and register blocks of IP addresses (i.e. class A, B and C). In addition to ISPs, large corporations may reach out to ARIN to register blocks of IP address for their corporate use.
• RIR (Regional Internet Registry): Much like the ARIN for managing IP address for North American region, RIR manages IP addresses for rest of the world.

As ARIN and RIR manages IP addresses for the region, they allocate and deallocate IP addresses for countries, ISPs and corporations. A larger blocks of IP addresses are assigned to countries, the accuracy of IP location for country level is approximately 95% - 98% depending on the provider.

Once one or more blocks of IP addresses are assigned to an ISP or Corporation, the organization assigns the IP address to its customers. When you purchase the Internet Service from an ISP, you have an option to obtain static (non-changing) or dynamic (changing) IP Address(es). Most home users obtain a dynamic IP address, and small businesses may obtain static IP addresses. The IP addresses obtained from an ISP are "public" IP addresses which are a globally unique number within the Internet.

Once the IP address is obtained by your router from your ISP, you have an option to create a private network by assigning private IP addresses to your devices that are not globally unique, but unique within your private network.

IP addresses are governed by ICANN, and ARIN and RIR are responsible for allocating IP addresses to ISPs and Corporations within its regions. IANA manages DNS for translating domain names to IP addresses. The IP addresses are then assigned to individuals or small businesses either statically or dynamically via DHCP, and every computing devices on the Internet must have an IP address to communicate with each other.

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IP Assignment Agreement Review

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ContractsCounsel has assisted 35 clients with intellectual property assignment agreements and maintains a network of 61 intellectual property lawyers available daily.

An intellectual property (IP) assignment agreement is a legal contract between a party that transfers its intellectual property rights (assignor) to another party (assignee). This agreement outlines the specifics of the transfer, including the type of IP, the scope of the assignment , compensation, and conditions.

How Do I Review an IP Assignment Agreement?

The purpose of an IP assignment agreement is to facilitate the transfer of patents, copyrights , trademarks , and other valuable IP. For this reason, it is vital that an IP assignment agreement is thoroughly reviewed before the parties execute the contract.

To review an IP assignment agreement, follow these steps:

• 1. Read entire contract Before agreeing to sign an IP assignment agreement, you need to read the entire document. You should familiarize yourself with the basic terms found in the contract and ensure that the provisions laid out in the contract accurately represent the agreement between the parties.
• 2. Note key terms and provisions Identify the key terms of the agreement like the type of intellectual property and the rights and restrictions that are attached to the property. Make sure that you understand these terms and make a list of any provisions you’re unsure about or that may need to be readdressed and further negotiated.
• 3. Verify financial terms Be sure to double-check any provisions that include financial terms.
• 4. Be prepared to negotiate If you find any terms that need clarification, modification, or adjustments, prepare to negotiate with the other party to reach an agreement that is fair for both sides.
• 5. Seek legal help Intellectual property assignment agreements can be complex legal documents . Before signing this contract, you should consider seeking legal advice from an experienced intellectual property lawyer . An attorney can provide guidance, review the contract for mistakes, and offer recommendations.

Reviewing an IP Assignment Agreement requires an eye for detail and a deep understanding of the legal implications of transferring intellectual property ownership rights.

When you hire an attorney to review this type of contract, you are ensured that your rights and interests are protected. An intellectual property lawyer will have experience with assignment agreements and will know what terms must be included to make the contract legally binding and enforceable.

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What Should I Look for in an IP Assignment Agreement

A comprehensive IP assignment agreement should include the following key terms:

• Party information The names and contact information of the assignor and assignee.
• Intellectual property description A clear and detailed description of the intellectual property being transferred, including the type of IP like whether it's a patent, copyright, trademark, or other type.
• Scope of assignment The extent of the rights to the intellectual property being transferred like whether the assignment encompasses all rights or involves some restrictions.
• Consideration The monetary payment, equity, royalties, or other value being exchanged for the assignment.
• Warranties and representations Any assurances made by the assignor regarding the authenticity of the IP and its non-infringement.
• Termination clause The circumstances under which the assignment can be terminated by either party. This section should include any required notice of termination and consequences for terminating before the contract term is up.
• Governing law and jurisdiction The parties should agree upon what laws and jurisdiction will govern the agreement in case of a dispute.
• Confidentiality Provisions to protect any sensitive information shared between the parties.
• Recordation Whether the assignment will be recorded with relevant authorities like the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

If you are unsure what provisions should be added to your agreement to best protect your interests, always consult with an experienced intellectual property attorney.

How Does an IP Assignment Agreement Work?

To successful assign intellectual property to an assignee through an assignment agreement, the following process should be followed:

• The assignor (current owner of the IP) and assignee (new owner of the IP) must negotiate and agree on the transfer, including terms like compensation and assignee rights.
• A lawyer familiar with intellectual property assignment should draft the contract incorporating the agreed-upon terms and ensuring legal compliance.
• Both parties are encouraged to thoroughly review the drafted agreement to ensure accuracy, clarity, and mutual understanding. Negotiations can address and fix any discrepancies.
• Once both parties are satisfied with the agreement, they sign the contract, indicating their consent to the terms. Depending on the laws of the jurisdiction, the signatures may need to be notarized.
• Once the contract is signed, the assignor transfers ownership rights to the assignee.
• Depending on the jurisdiction and type of IP, the assignment may need to be recorded with a specific government agency to establish public notice.

Each step in this process is vital to transfer intellectual property rights legally and securely between parties.

What are the Three Major Methods of IP Assignment?

IP assignment typically occurs through three major methods:

• Assignment deed A formal written agreement where the assignor expressly transfers ownership rights to the assignee.
• Incorporation by reference An agreement refers to another document like an employment agreement , that contains IP assignment clauses .
• Employment agreement When an employee creates intellectual property in the course of their employment, an employment agreement should include provisions that assign ownership of the created IP to the employer.

Each of these methods are used in different scenarios with different purposes. Whenever you are planning to assignment intellectual property rights, always consult with an attorney to determine which method is right for you.

Should I Hire a Lawyer to Review an IP Assignment Agreement?

Yes. Even though it is not legally required for a lawyer to draft and review an IP assignment agreement, it is highly recommended to have a legal professional create or at least review this contract.

Hiring a lawyer to review your contract provides the following benefits:

• Legal expertise Lawyers who specialize in intellectual property will understand assignment contracts and the legal implications of IP assignment. Your lawyer can identify potential weaknesses in the agreement that non-legal professionals might overlook.
• Customization Every intellectual property assignment agreement will be different depending on the type of IP and the needs of the parties. A lawyer can tailor the agreement to suit the goals of the parties involved.
• Risk mitigation A lawyer's review helps identify and address potential legal risks, protecting your interests and reducing the likelihood of disputes.
• Advocacy If certain terms need to be revised, a lawyer can negotiate more favorable terms on your behalf.
• Confidence in the contract Knowing that a legal professional has thoroughly reviewed the agreement can provide you with confidence and peace of mind.

An IP assignment agreement can have significant legal and financial implications for the assignor and assignee. Any mistakes could lead to disputes between the parties or even an infringement lawsuit.

When you hire a lawyer to review the IP assignment agreement, the lawyer will ensure that the contract is fair, follows all applicable laws in the jurisdiction, and will be legally enforceable if a dispute arises.

Get Help with Hiring an Attorney

Do you need help with an IP assignment agreement? If so, post a project in ContractsCounsel's marketplace to receive bids from lawyers who are licensed to practice law in your state and can handle your project. All lawyers on the ContractsCounsel's platform are vetted by our team to make sure you are provided with top-tier service.

ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.

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How does IP assignment work for servers and data centers

If I had an IP address (for example bought range for my company), and 2 ISPs fibres, how would it be possible to set my network card to have same IP adress accessible from both connections? (know its possible, but what are requirements)

I plan on running few servers for my company, and would like them to be accessible from s1.example.com and s2.example.com.

I would want to have 2 connections, if one is down other works. So, how does IP assignment work and is that possible with any ISP?

PS: Did not find any question/answer for my question, will remove if its duplicate

• 2 That won't work for single IP addresses. You'll need to own at least a /24 IPv4 subnet to advertise that route over BGP. –  Zac67 ♦ Commented Jun 3, 2019 at 20:36
• @Zac67 So if I own /24 I can route it anywhere I want? –  Grzegorz Commented Jun 3, 2019 at 20:47
• 1 If your ISPs let you advertise you can. –  Zac67 ♦ Commented Jun 3, 2019 at 21:04
• @Zac67 could you point me to any source of knowledge how it works? –  Grzegorz Commented Jun 3, 2019 at 21:41
• The big problem is that the RIRs no longer have any IPv4 addresses to assign. You will need to go out on the open market to see if you can purchase a block, then you will still need to jump through the RIR hoops to get it assigned to you. –  Ron Maupin ♦ Commented Jun 4, 2019 at 13:18

First, you need to apply for an autonomous system number (AS) and your own /24 network at your RIR. You also need to make sure that your ISPs support peering via BGP.

Then, you advertise your network under your AS using BGP on your WAN connections as multi-homed . Your ISPs accept that advertisement and in turn advertise the AS route on their peering interfaces, so the route propagates through the Internet.

• 3 Don't forget to include one (or possibly more) routers capable of doing BGP. –  Teun Vink ♦ Commented Jun 4, 2019 at 5:31

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You are here, explained: how is my ip assigned / determined (ipv4).

Infopackets Reader Izzy M. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I am trying to figure out how IP addresses are assigned using IPv4 (IP addressing version 4), but can't seem to find a straight answer online. My question: is there a certain number that my IP address has to be? Is there any correlation between my IP address, subnet mask and default gateway? How is my IP address assigned or determined? Thank you in advance! "

My response:

I think the reason you can't find an answer to this question is because this is an extremely broad question. To put this as simple as possible: the answer to your question depends on your network class (A, B, C, D). The network class then determines whether you are referring to a public IP address which is assigned to your modem by your Internet provider, or a private IP address which is typically assigned by your router on a home network.

Related: How Do I Change my IP Address (IP Banned) ?

Your IP address (with respect to IPv4) is derived from three main things:

1. Your network class (A, B, C, D) - this defines whether you're using a public IP address (from your Internet provider) or a private IP address (typically assigned by your router, on your home network). For the record you can review a list of public IPs (IPv4) here .

2. The subnet , which defines how many IPs are assigned to the network class range

3. Whether the IP is leased or permanent ( static or dynamic )

How an IP is Assigned on a Home Network (IPv4)

Let's look at a typical example for a home user.

Internet access is provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) ; data travels from the Internet to a modem inside your home (usually). A router connects to the modem and allows your home network to communicate to the outside world (to the Internet).

The router usually has DHCP (dynamic host control protocol) enabled by default. The purpose of DHCP is to automatically assign any device on your network an IPv4 address. This allows you to share the Internet across multiple devices in your home (or office), and even communicate with other devices across your entire private network.

Here's where things get a bit more technical.

The subnet mask is used to define a subnet range on the network. As a typical example, most routers are assigned a class C range. Class C is defined as having IPs 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255 , which yields a total of 2,097,150 usable IP addresses . This is far too large for most home networks; as such, a subnet mask is applied to yield a smaller range of usable IPs on the network.

Thus, a typical network class C range (for use at home) would be 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.2.254 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 , yielding 254 usable IP addresses. There is a mathematical way to derive how IPs are subnetted , which I will not get into - but you read read up on, if you want.

Of that IP range, certain IPs are reserved for special cases. For example:

• 192.168.0.1 is usually the default gateway (also used for the router administration page)
• 192.168.0.2 - 192.168.0.100 are usually reserved for dynamic addresses , controlled by DHCP ; these IPs are leased and expire over time, thus DHCP IPs are not always the same
• 129.168.0.101 - 192.168.0.254 are usually reserved for static IPs
• 192.168.0.255 is the broadcast IP

Assigning an IPv4 Address: Using DHCP or Static IPs

On a typical home network, an IPv4 address is assigned depending on how the router and your machine are configured.

By default, DHCP (dynamic host control protocol) is enabled on the router. This means that the router will automatically assign an IP address to any device on the network automatically according to the DHCP IP range . The DHCP range is defined in the router administration page. Using the example above, the range would be 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.100.

If you prefer to set a static IP rather than one through DHCP, this would be done by adjusting your network adapter settings in the operating system. For example, if you have a ' server ' or ' media pc ' machine in the home and you want to use the same IP address for that device all the time (instead of a random IP address), then a static IP address makes more sense.

I hope this answers your question.

Keep in mind that this is an extremely broad question with many variables involved. That said, in the case of 'home networking' this answer should fit. In the case of how an IP is assigned using an Internet Provider : the same ideas apply, except DHCP is controlled by the Internet Provider and IPs are leased for a certain duration of time (especially if your modem or router loses power).

Got a Computer Question or Problem? Ask Dennis!

About the author : Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form .

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DHCP (dynamic host control

DHCP (dynamic host control protocol)

I know you will get some more comments on this so I am giving you a heads up. DHCP is most commonly referred to as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). It appears that it can be called Dynamic Host Control Protocol as referenced on the below noted Cisco page but its technical name is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. The header in the Cisco page uses the word control but the rest of the page references it as configuration. It may be a country related variation that I am not aware of and if so ignore my post please.

(https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/ios-nx-os-software/dynamic-host-control-protocol-dhcp-domain-name-system-dns/index.html)

Used interchangeably

Dynamic Host Control Protocol and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol are used interchangeably but refer to the exact same thing. Thanks for pointing it out. Old school users like myself refer to it as Dynamic Host Control Protocol.

IP assignment

It would be good to point out that every IPv4 address has 4 numerical values separated by a period. Each of these values range between 0-255. Every ISP has a range of public IPs they assign to their customers. These IPs are given to your home gateway or router. This allows your router to communicate with your ISP's system. All residential/consumer accounts have a dynamic IP assignment, which means that the IP changes every so often. The normal standard is 7 days, and does not always change when the router reboots. However this is normally something you would not see within your home network.

Like Dennis said, most home routers will have a config/gateway IP address of 192.168.x.x. Those x's are either 0's or 1's, depending on what the manufacturer sets. With router DHCP configurations, some default to start IP assignments in the 192.168.x.100 range. If you decide that you want to set static IP assignments for your devices within your home network, note that they all have to match the first 3 fields in the IP address and cannot be the same as the gateway IP. (Unless you change your subnet mask, which then complicates things.) So if your router is configured with a gateway IP of 192.168.1.0, then your devices can have any IP address that falls within the range of 192.168.1.(1-255).

DHCP normally assigns IP addresses in sequential order starting with the first device it connects with. So if the gateway is 192.168.1.0 and it's set to start from the 100 range, the first device will be assigned 192.168.1.100, the next will be 192.168.1.101, and so forth.

For your public IP assigned to you by your ISP they have bigger routers that essentially do the same thing, for your neighborhood, only they can be confogured with a wider range of IP addresses.

I hope this digs a bit deeper, but doesn't get confusing for those who are wanting to learn a bit more. The IP classes & subnet masks are more for high-level corporate networks where they need to separate networks or merge location networks for purposes of maintaining an intranet or VPN connection, which then goes beyond the scope of my own knowledge.

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Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide for Your Business

LegalGPS : May 21, 2024 at 12:30 PM

Hello there, entrepreneur friend! Today let’s have that coffee chat about Intellectual Property Assignment Agreements. If you're thinking "what's that?" or "why do I need it?" then this is the perfect starting point for you. In today's competitive business world, protecting your intellectual property (IP) is more crucial than ever.

Table of Contents

Defining the purpose.

• Clarity of Transfer
• Definition of Transferred Intellectual Property
• Compensation and Payment Terms
• Warranties and Representations
• Confidentiality Agreements
• Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Step 1 - Identify the Parties Involved

Step 2 - specify the assigned intellectual property, step 3 - describe the transfer of rights, step 4 - detail compensation and payment terms, step 5 - include confidentiality clauses, step 6 - determine governing law and dispute resolution process, tips for avoiding common mistakes and pitfalls.

What is An Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement?

An Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement is a legal document that ensures the transfer of an inventor or creator's rights to another person or company. Essentially, it’s a legal way of saying "what’s mine is now yours". These agreements are often used in situations involving startups, company buyouts, or employees creating new works or inventions during their jobs - situations a lot of entrepreneurs find themselves in.

Let's break that down a touch more:

The IP assignment agreement's primary purpose is to help your business prevent future disputes regarding IP ownership. When all parties are clear on who owns the intellectual property, it prevents a whole host of potential issues.

Believe me, the last thing you need or want as an entrepreneur is a legal dispute over who owns an idea, an invention, or any creative output.

And that's where this agreement steps in: it provides legal proof that the ownership has been transferred. So, if ever challenged, you can show the agreement and say "See, it’s mine!" .

Key Elements to Consider for a Properly Drafted Agreement

When it comes to IP assignment agreements, not just any generic contract will do. It's crucial to understand and include some key elements to ensure you're fully protected.

1. Clarity of Transfer

The agreement must clearly define the scope and extent of the transferred rights. To do this, use precise language that leaves no room for confusion. For example, specify whether the IP rights being transferred are exclusive or non-exclusive and if there are any limitations on how the Assignee can use or sublicense the IP. Here's a suggested format:

"The Assignor hereby assigns to the Assignee, its successors and assigns, [exclusive/non-exclusive] rights, title, and interest in and to the Intellectual Property, subject to the following limitations [if any]:"

2. Definition of Transferred Intellectual Property

This section is where you identify the specific Intellectual Property being assigned. Start by describing the IP type (e.g., copyright, patent, trademark), then provide the necessary details:

For a copyright, include the work title and a brief description.

For a patent, mention the patent number and summarize the invention.

For a trademark, provide the trademark name, registration number, and design details.

Remember, the key is to be as detailed and transparent as possible.

3. Compensation and Payment Terms

Just as with any deal, it's important to be crystal clear about the compensation for transferring IP rights. Make sure you consider the following in your agreement:

The total amount payable

The currency

The payment method (e.g., check, wire transfer)

The payment schedule (e.g., lump-sum, installments)

For example: "In consideration for the assignment of rights, the Assignee shall pay the Assignor a total sum of [Amount] in [Currency], through [Payment Method], payable as follows:"

4. Warranties and Representations

Including warranties and representations in the agreement helps provide confidence to both parties. The Assignor should explicitly declare that they:

Are the sole and true owner of the IP

Have the complete right to assign the IP to the Assignee

The IP does not infringe on any third-party rights

A sample clause might look like this:

"The Assignor warrants and represents that they are the true and lawful owner of the Intellectual Property, have full right and authority to enter into this Agreement, and that the Intellectual Property does not infringe upon any third-party rights."

5. Confidentiality Agreements

A crucial aspect of a well-drafted IP Assignment Agreement is protecting sensitive information about the business and the IP itself. Incorporate confidentiality clauses to maintain a secure environment.

Try a clause similar to this one: "The parties agree to treat all confidential information related to this Agreement as strictly confidential, and to take all necessary precautions to prevent unauthorized disclosure or use of such information."

6. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Last but not least, outline which jurisdiction's laws will govern the agreement. Furthermore, state how any disputes will be resolved, such as through arbitration, mediation, or litigation.

A model clause could be: "This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of [State]. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be resolved by [method of dispute resolution]."

Drafting Your IP Assignment Agreement

Let's move on to the most crucial part of our discussion: Creating your Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement. This section intends to make it much clearer and more action-oriented. Your aim? To walk away with enough information to begin drafting your agreement. Let's dive in.

Start by clearly naming the parties involved in the agreement.

Who is the 'Assignor' (the party transferring the rights)?

Who is the 'Assignee' (the individual or business entity receiving the rights)? Clearly outline their legal names and any other relevant identifying information, like addresses or official business names. It would typically look like this: "[Full Legal Name], referred to as the "Assignor," and [Full Legal Name], referred to as the "Assignee."

Here, you need to provide a full and exhaustive description of the intellectual property being transferred. Please don't leave room for vagueness or ambiguity - the more specific, the better. For instance, if it's a patent, include the patent number and a detailed summary of what the patent covers. If it's a copyrighted work, offer the title, the form of the work (e.g., a book, software, music), and a short description of it.

Your entry here might read: "The "Intellectual Property" includes, but is not limited to, [detailed description]."

This section is all about clearly laying out what you're giving up and what you're gaining. Highlight all rights, titles, and interests being assigned from the Assignor to the Assignee. You could list them out just to ensure nothing falls between the cracks.

It’s vital to be as clear and detailed as possible here. You're specifying the extent of the rights transferred. It could be exclusive, non-exclusive, permanent, temporary, how it can be used, if it can be sold, and more.

Here's an example:

"The Assignor hereby assigns to the Assignee, its successors and assigns, all rights, title, and interest in and to the Intellectual Property, including, without limitation, the right to sue and recover for past, present, and future violations."

Now, let's talk about money. In this step, you need to fully detail the financial exchanges. Include the amount of payment, payment format, and schedule (upfront, lump sum, installments). It wouldn't hurt to clearly lay out what conditions, if any, would lead to a return of the compensation.

This clause might look something like:

"For the assignment of rights under this Agreement, the Assignee shall provide compensation to the Assignor in the amount of [Amount], payable [insert payment method and schedule]".

Especially with IP, you'll want to build in some safety nets. You can include a confidentiality clause that prevents the involved parties from disclosing sensitive information about the IP.

A basic confidentiality clause may read: "The Assignor agrees to keep confidential all non-public information that the Assignee designates as being confidential, not to disclose it to any other people, and not to use it for any purpose other than the discharge of the Assignor's obligations under this Agreement."

Finally, specify which state or country's laws will govern the agreement. This is crucial in the case of any future legal disputes. Additionally, include how disputes over the agreement will be resolved - arbitration, mediation, litigation, etc.

Here is an example:

"This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State]. Any disputes under this Agreement shall be resolved by [method of dispute resolution]."

You're now equipped with all you need to draft an agreement. But before you get started, here are some quick tips to avoid any missteps:

Ensure the agreement is detailed and described correctly

Work with a knowledgeable attorney

Review the final agreement carefully before signing

With these, you're set to protect your business's most valuable assets!

In today's competitive business environment, it's imperative to protect your inventions, your creations - your Intellectual Property. If you're still unsure where to start, check out our professional template for Intellectual Property Assignments!

With an Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement in hand, you're ensuring that ownership of these is well established to prevent future disputes. So here's to smoother operations and peace of mind!

Always remember, we're in this together - as you navigate the business world, consider us your legal co-pilot, happy to guide you on your journey.

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IP Assignment and Licensing

IP rights have essentially transformed intangibles (knowledge, creativity) into valuable assets that you can put to strategic use in your business. You can do this by directly integrating the IP in the production or marketing of your products and services, thereby strengthening their competitiveness. With IP assignement and IP licensing, IP owners can also use your IP rights to create additional revenue streams by selling them out, giving others a permission to use them, and establishing joint ventures or other collaboration agreements with others who have complementary assets.

  Expert tip: Assignment, license and franchising agreements are flexible documents that can be adapted to the needs of the parties. Nevertheless, most countries establish specific requirements for these agreements, e.g. written form, registration with a national IP office or other authority, etc. For more information, consult your IP office .

IP rights assignment

You can sell your IP asset to another person or legal entity.

When all the exclusive rights to a patented invention, registered trademark, design or copyrighted work are transferred by the owner to another person or legal entity, it is said that an assignment of such rights has taken place.

Assignment is the sale of an IP asset. It means that you transfer ownership of an IP asset to another person or legal entity.

IP for Business Guides

Learn more about the commercialization of patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright.

Read IP for Business Guides

IP licensing

You can authorize someone else to use your IP, while maintaining your ownership, by granting a license in exchange for something of value, such as a monetary lump sum, recurrent payments (royalties), or a combination of these.

Licensing provides you with the valuable opportunity to expand into new markets, add revenue streams through royalties, develop partnerships etc.

If you own a patent, know-how, or other IP assets, but cannot or do not want to be involved in all the commercialization activities (e.g. technology development, manufacturing, market expansion, etc.) you can benefit from the licensing of your IP assets by relying on the capacity, know-how, and management expertise of your partner.

  Expert tip: Licensing can generally be sole, exclusive or non-exclusive, depending on whether the IP owner retains some rights, or on whether the IP rights can be licensed to one or multiple parties.

Technology licensing agreements

Trademark licensing agreements, copyright licensing agreements, franchising agreements, merchande licensing, joint venture agreements, find out more.

• Learn more about Technology Transfer .

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How does an ISP assign IP?

I've noticed when I reconnect to internet, the last two bytes of IP address static IP changes.

Does that mean when I disconnect someone else could have the same IP? How does this process differ from dynamic IP?

• This sounds very confused. –  Ignacio Vazquez-Abrams Commented May 18, 2011 at 0:35
• 2 you're title is good and clear but your question itself is pretty vague, please clarify. –  studiohack Commented May 18, 2011 at 0:39
• doesn't sound that confused. The place where you see an error, Has a question mark after it. It's a simple question and a simple answer. First sentence ok. Second question Yes. Third question. It is dynamic ip so same process. –  barlop Commented May 18, 2011 at 1:32

3 Answers 3

If your IP address is changing, you don't have a static IP address, but a dynamic one, and thus your answer is that "this process" does not differ at all from dynamic IP assignment because it is dynamic IP assignment.

And yes, it does mean that when you disconnect, someone else could get "your" IP address dynamically assigned to them when they connect.

• Ok, How do i check if i have dynamic IP? –  user764841 Commented May 18, 2011 at 0:46
• 8 @user764841: If your IP changes, you have a dynamic IP. –  Wuffers Commented May 18, 2011 at 0:49
• Most (ALL?) ISPs will assign an ISP dynamically using DHCP. But they may give you the same IP address all the time (they call this static). The only way to tell if you have a static address is that it never seems to change. –  hookenz Commented May 18, 2011 at 0:53
• 1 @Matt That's not strictly, entirely true. My ISP usually gives me the same IP, although it does change from time-to-time. They don't call it "static", though, and their static IP service (for an extra charge, of course!) is indeed static (although they offer it via static DHCP assignment if you don't statically assign it yourself). –  Kromey Commented May 18, 2011 at 0:56
• 4 PPP (and PPPoE) doesn't use DHCP; the peer always assigns the IP address. –  Ignacio Vazquez-Abrams Commented May 18, 2011 at 2:04

It is usually done the same way your home router does it, but with much more expensive equipment. It is more expensive because it is far more configurable. The ISP I work for uses an ERX to serve IPs, it stores mac addresses in its arp table and assigns ip address based on the card and port, which is mapped to a circuit through ATMs and eventually a DSLAM (or CMTS on similarly setup cable providers) - we statically assign, but not based on DHCP. This is the case with both bridged and routed circuits, where routed circuit simply have blocks on static routes over a /32 wan.

Other ISPs will use the arp table to assign addressing via DHCP, where static address are simply removed from the DHCP pool, but will appear on the lease table. This static is also usually mapped to a port and card on the router so you can only get it on your own circuit (but not always). In cases where you have a dynamic address, if your lease runs out and your device is not connected to renew, it will be handed out elsewhere and you will get the next available in the pool when you reconnect. Some leases last a few hours, some up to a week, depending on your ISP.

There are of course other configurations, but these cover the most commonly seen.

EDIT: I forgot to add, most single ips are /32 and are divided from a larger block. These blocks are usually assigned by region (or ISP in the case of smaller ones) which is why all IPs that you get will be very similar except for the last octet (or last two in the case of larger ISPs.

You can reserve IPs in a DHCP (dynamic) setup. The same mac address will pull the same IP every time its turned on. This makes your internet connection faster as the router has 'memorized' where to send packets (your mac address/ip). This can be reset at the command line in the router, and everyone will get a new IP.

In a static config, they assign you an IP, and that is your IP. It will be your IP until you stop paying for service, in which they then terminate it, and assign the IP to someone else.

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How does IP allocation and assignment actually work?

This may be a stupid question so forgive me in advance, but I still think it's too technical to post in ELI5.

Let's say I bought a /24 IP (v4) block at an auction and the registrar is ARIN.

Let's also say I have a rented closet in a datacenter in the US.

What would be the course of action from there? How would I go about having my servers actually use the IPs I just bought?

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