An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique sequence of values separated by periods. Modern IP addresses adhere to version 4 (IPv4) or version 6 (IPv6).

Example of an IPv4 address: 12.301.405.2

Example of an IPv6 address: 2001:0db8:5078:31c3:0000:0000:31fd:fe04

IP addresses are used to identify devices on a network. Private IP addresses are only visible to devices connected to the same network, while public IP addresses are visible to any device on the Internet.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) assign public IP addresses to most routers. When a device connects to a router, the device receives a private IP address.

Dynamic IP addresses

Every device connected to your home network is assigned a unique IP address. In most cases, this is a dynamic IP address.

Dynamic IP addresses are temporary. When a new device joins a network, it is assigned a dynamic IP address by a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. The IP address might change as additional devices join the network.

Dynamic IP addresses are useful for networks where IP addresses are limited and devices are frequently added or removed.

Static IP addresses

A static IP address does not change. Static IP addresses are useful for hosting websites, sharing large files, and remotely accessing devices or networks. Many businesses link their domain name or server accounts to a static IP address.