What is my IP address and why is it important to know it?
This post is primarily for the home user. IP address information beyond this can be found here IP Address.
IP Address for the home user
As a home user, your identity on the web is published by your IP address. Your IP address is unique. This address allows other devices on the network to communicate with your device.
The network in this instance includes your device (or devices), your broadband hub, your internet service provider and the internet. This is the network.
Your IP address is assigned to you by your network administrator, which in the case of the home user is your broadband provider.
Such assignments may be static (fixed or permanent) or dynamic, depending on your broadband package.
Generally, you pay more for a static or fixed IP address. We will discuss why, later.
What does an IP address look like?
An IP address is a numerical label formatted as follows: 192.0.2.1. There are four decimal numbers, each ranging from 0 to 255, separated by dots.
Imagine these numbers like your house number, your street, your town, your county. But the other way round in levels of importance.
The numbers in an IP address are in four groups. In layman’s terms, the first may be a country, the second is your network provider, the third is one of their many servers, and the fourth is you. This is not correct, but it’s a reasonable explanation.
What is a fixed IP address?
A fixed IP address is assigned by your broadband provider. Once assigned, it does not change.
Most individuals and businesses do not need a static IP address. However as technology advances and remote access to home devices is needed, it’s essential to have one. for example, if you want your phone to be able to login into your home security then a static IP address will allow the devices to be found.
What is a dynamic IP address?
A dynamic IP address is assigned by your broadband provider from a pool of IP addresses. As customers join and leave a broadband provider, IP addresses are used and unused. If you reboot your broadband you may be given a new IP address. Your broadband provider may periodically change your IP address.
ISPs (broadband providers) buy a large pool of IP addresses and assign them automatically to their customers. This is a cost-saving exercise so that no purchased IP addresses are unused if the number of customers is less than the number of purchased IP addresses. The total number purchased roughly reflects the number of customers.
There are also security benefits to having a dynamic IP address. It’s harder for criminals to hack into your computer or device if the IP address changes. They will try and hack you, only to find that the next time they try, they are faced with a totally different end user, with different security and set-up.
How can I change my IP address?
If you have a fixed IP address you will need to contact your broadband provider.
If you have a dynamic IP address rebooting your broadband router may work.
Either way, once done, you should check your IP address and see if it has changed.
How can I find my IP address?
You can find your IP address by visiting ipchicken.com
Photos by Amit Lahav and Jordan Harrison on Unsplash
Further Reading?
https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/what-is-an-ip-address
