An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique address that computing devices use to identify themselves and communicate with other devices on a network. It's a standard way for machines to refer to each other, enabling them to connect and transmit information.
An IP address is typically expressed as a series of four numbers, each ranging from 0 to 255, separated by periods (for example, 192.168.1.1). Each number in this sequence has a specific meaning:
- Network Identification Number: The first number in an IP address is known as the network identification number. This number helps identify the specific network to which the device belongs. Wireless routers use this number to determine whether a device is part of its network or a foreign network.
- Area Identification Number: The second number in an IP address is the area identification number, which identifies the particular zone of the host device within the network.
- Device Identification Number: The third set of digits in an IP address identifies the specific device within the network. The router uses this number to forward the correct data packets to the right device.
- Externally Faced Number: The last number in an IP address is externally faced. This is the number that identifies the device to all other networks outside the host network.
Note: The exact meaning of each number can vary depending on whether the network is using classful addressing or classless addressing. This answer is a general explanation and may not be universally accurate across all scenarios.
Learn more:
- How Does IP Addressing Work? | MakeUseOf
- How to Interpret an IP address | Dummies.com
- Networking 101: Understanding IP Addresses | Enterprise Networking Planet