An IP address is a numerical identifier assigned to devices on a network so they can send and receive data. It acts like a routing address that guides packets across local networks and the internet. IP addresses may be IPv4, which uses four numeric blocks, or IPv6, which uses longer hexadecimal segments. Every request sent by a client or server has a source and destination IP address. Routers use these addresses to forward packets along the correct path. Without IP addresses, networks would have no way to locate specific devices.
key characteristics
IP addresses can be static or dynamic depending on how they are assigned. Private IP ranges are used inside homes or organizations, while public IPs identify devices reachable over the internet. Firewalls and access controls often restrict which IPs may connect to specific services. Developers encounter IP addresses when configuring DNS, debugging network issues, or analyzing logs. IPv6 adoption continues to grow as IPv4 addresses become scarce. Understanding IP addressing helps reason about routing, NAT, and connectivity.