What is an IP (Internet Protocol) Address?

Your IP(Internet Protocol address is your identifier that is identifying your device and uses to link to the web. An IP address is a logical address provided for connections in a network. So, in this article, we are going to discuss the IP address and the types and classes of IP address.

History of IP address:

IP address development began in the year 1974, by the scientists Bob Kahn and Vint Cerf. Hence, the first version of the internet protocol was IPV4 invented in the year 1970 by the Internet Engineering Task Force. Later, in the year 1990’s IPv6 has come into the picture which is going to replace the widely used Internet Protocol IPV4. IPV6 is the Upgrade version of IPV4.

Definition of IP address:

Internet Protocol Address can be defined as a unique address of a digital system that is connected to a network. They are used by computer devices such as personal computers, tablets, and smartphones to identify themselves and communicate with other devices on IP networks. Hence, we use the IP address to recognize a system uniquely.

IP addresses are provided by network administrators or by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). IP addresses basically used in routing operations because they specifically identify network connections.

Few points about IP address:

1. An IP address is a 32-bit address format.
2. The IP address is represented by using “Dotted Decimal Notation”.
3. No two devices can have the same IP address over a network.

Types of IP address:

IP addresses are classified into two types, they are:

1. Static IP address
2. Dynamic IP address

Static IP address:

The static IP address is manually assigned to a computer by a network engineer or network administrator. Here for each computer, the network administrator must open the network configuration page manually and types the internet protocol address. In addition, the administrator must also enter details such as the subnet mask and default gateway. This process must be followed for each device in the system. For this reason, it is difficult to assign IP addresses when there are many devices on the network. However, the internet protocol address does not change until it is changed by the network administrator or online service provider. In conclusion, this address does not change every time when a user connects to the network.

Dynamic IP address:

Dynamic IP addresses are nothing but where IP addresses can change regularly and are managed by centralized network services. The DHCP server (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) uses a system to track and search IP address information related to active network elements. When a user types the URL of a website, the DNS(domain name server) directs the domain name to internet protocol addresses.

The whole dynamic IP address is automatic and this can make it easier for you to control pressure from the network. All dynamic IPs will be more economical than static IPs. They need a lower maintenance level than static ones.

Key diferences between Static and Dynamic IP addres:

The difference between Static and Dynamic IP addresses lies in the duration of the specified IP address. Below is the comparison chart of a static and dynamic IP address. An IP address is given to you by the Internet service provider.

Static IP address	Dynamic IP address
1. It is expensive when compared to the dynamic IP address.	1. It is cheaper than the static IP address.
2. It needs additional security.	2. Changing the IP address gives more privacy.
3. Here address does not change.	3. Here address changes frequently.
4. A Static IP address is suitable if you have run your own website or run your own email server.	4. A dynamic IP address is suitable if you have multiple components on an internal network with internet access.
5. It does not require the DHCP server to obtain an IP address.	5. It requires a DHCP server to obtain an IP address.

Static IP addresses have a number of advantages that they can give you less downtime(there is a risk of downtime when a dynamic IP address is allocated). There is remote access in the static IP address like you can access your PC from anywhere in the world.

Versions of IP address:

There are two versions of the IP address, they are one is internet protocol version 4(IPV4) and another is Internet protocol version 6(IPV6).

IPV4:

IPV4 is the most used version of the Internet protocol. This defines the rules for operating a computer network on the principle of the packet exchange. Thus, this can also have a group of rules that determine how data can be sent and received through the network.

IPV6:

The Internet Protocol version 6 has been designed for the future needs of the internet. IPV6 carries out the data in the form of packets from source to destination through various networks. It can also support a large address space because it has 128-bit space.

Classes of IP address:

An IP address is classified into five classes, the classes are A, B, C, D, and E. Each class has a valid IP address range. The first octet value determines the class. IP addresses of the first three classes (A, B and C) can be used for host addresses. The other two classes D and E for broadcasting and experimental purpose.

Therefore, IP address plays a key role in internet for identifying your device which has the unique address. By the above information it is clear that what is IP address and its types and classes. If you any quaries please mention in the comment section below.