An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to devices on a network. It can be static (permanent) or dynamic (changes over time). There are two types:
- IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.1.1) – still common but limited in number.
- IPv6 (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334) – created to handle the growing number of devices.
Why it matters:
- Needed for devices to communicate across networks.
- Misconfigured IP addresses can cause connectivity issues.
- Public IPs are visible to the outside world, while private IPs are used inside local networks.
Pro tip: If a device won’t connect, checking its IP address is often the first troubleshooting step.
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