What is an IP address?
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is essentially a unique identification number for machines connected to any network. You could view this as a mailing addressjust for your online activity. Since they were first developed in the 1970sIP addresses have evolved to define how devices interact on the internet. IP addresses are like GPS locations for devices (including servers) on any network. Whether you're simply surfing the webwatching a video on YouTubeor booking your next holidayIP addresses are certainly involved. Read more about IP addresses on Wikipedia.
How does an IP address work?
IP addresses are typically assigned to devices by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Since ISPs provide you with access to the internetit's their responsibility to assign an IP address to your device. For instanceif AT&T or COX is your ISPthey're responsible for assigning IPs to your devices. When you attempt to connect to their internetyour online activity first goes to your ISP and is immediately routed to your device via your IP address. Note that while IPv4 offers a limited number of addresses that can be assignedthis is not the case with IPv6. Here is an article by HowToGeek exlaining how IP addresses work.
IPv6 and IPv4
IPv6 was designed to be the next-generation protocol that fixes the limitations and flaws in IPv4. Sadlysince these two protocols cannot communicate with each otherIPv4 will not become obsolete anytime soon. Here are the key differences between these two protocols –
- Address – IPv4 addresses are numeric and have their binary bits separated by dots (.). MeanwhileIPv6 addresses are alphanumeric and separated by columns (:).
- Size of IP addresses – IPv4 addresses are 32-bits by designwhile IPv6 addresses are 128-bit.
- Checksum – IPv4 has checksum fieldswhile IPv6 offers none.
- Security – Security is built into the IPv6 protocolwhereaswith IPv4security is dependent on the application.
- Mobile compatibility – IPv4's use of the dot-decimal notation makes it less suitable for mobile networks. IPv6's representation in hexadecimalcolon-separated notation makes it more suitable for mobile networks.
- Sample address – IPv4 – 127.0.0.1and IPv6 2001:0db8:0000:0000:0000:ff00:0042:7879
Howeverboth protocols can exist simultaneously on a network.
How to check my IP address
Checking your IP address is easy. If you're attempting to check from your smartphone or computeryou could either use this website or one of the "What's my IP" websites. You can also just type "My IP" on Googleand it'll show your IP address. Howeverremember that Google will always show your IPv6 if your network supports both IPv4 and IPv6. To check your IPv4you will have to use an IP lookup website.
How to change my IP address
Changing your IP address isn't as difficult as many may think. Here are three easy ways to change yours –
- Change your network or reset your router – Switching between network providers can seamlessly help you change your IP address. For instanceturning off your wifi and using your mobile data immediately changes your IP address. Similarlyresetting your router will force your ISP to reassign a new IP address to your device.
- Use a VPN – A Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers a reliable way to change or mask your IP addressmaking it extremely difficult for third partiesincluding your ISPto monitor your online activity. VPNs offer many benefits that include protecting your identity online and allowing you access geo-blocked content from streaming platforms like Netflix.
- Contact your ISP – You can also contact your ISP to change your IP address for you.
- Use the Tor Browser – Every time you open the Tor browseryou are assigned a different IP address. All websites that you visit via the Tor browser will see the assigned IP instead of your real IP address.
Your device uses either a static IP or a dynamic IP addressing system when you connect to the internet. With static IP addressesyou essentially use the same address every time you connect to the internet. Howeverdynamic IP addresses are temporary and assigned every time a device connects to the network. Static IP addresses are also called dedicated IPs and can be reserved for a single entity like a business to use.
Can my IP address reveal my exact location?
Noand it would be really scary if it could. Your IP address can reveal the registered locationand other information about your Internet Service Providerbut it's highly unlikely that it will reveal your exact location. You can check your IP address on multiple websitesand chances are that all of these websites will show different locations. Howeversome details like your Countryand State can be identified by your IP address.