What is IP?

What is IP?

IP stands for Internet Protocol and it is the way that computers communicate online. It assigns addresses to each computer so they can send and receive data. An IP address looks like a set of numbers separated by periods, like this: 192.168.0.1. Every device connected to the internet has its own unique IP address and it allows computers to communicate with each other and access websites around the world.

How does IP work?

The main purpose of using an IP address is to locate and identify devices on a network. The IP address contains two parts - the network portion which identifies the network where the device is located (e.g., 192) and the host portion which identifies a specific device within that network (e.g., 168). When you enter an IP address into your browser, it will send a request to that device asking for data from that location. The response that comes back contains all the information you requested which will then be displayed in your browser window as a web page or other type of file.

What are different types of IP protocols?

There are several different types of protocols that are used with IP addresses, such as TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol), ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6). Each protocol provides different levels of functionality depending on what you are trying to do, such as sending files or accessing web pages.

How does an IP address change?

Your computer's IP address can change depending on several factors, such as when you connect to new networks or when your ISP (Internet Service Providers) updates their routing tables or when you use a proxy server or VPN service. This can cause some confusion if you are trying to troubleshoot issues with your connection or if you are trying to access resources on another network that only allow certain ranges of external IPs (Internet Protocol) through their firewalls.

What is DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)?

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, and it’s used by most modern networks in order to assign short-term dynamic addresses called “leases” to clients connecting them via Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections. This allows the same subnet mask / gateway / DNS (Domain Name System) server configuration details for all users connecting using DHCP leases, meaning there’s less manual setup involved when somebody joins up with a new network than there would be if every user had their own statically assigned unique address from an administrator somewhere else in the organization's IT department(s).

What is NAT (Network Address Translation)?

NAT stands for Network Address Translation, and it is used to allow multiple devices on the same local network to share a single public IP address. This is useful in providing some security layer and helping networks conserve the limited number of IP addresses available through IPv4. When an external source attempts to contact an internal device, the router translates the public IP address into a private IP address so that the request can be delivered correctly.

What is subnetting?

Subnetting is a way of creating smaller networks from large ones by dividing them into smaller segments called 'subnets', each with their own range of IP addresses. Each subnet can have different configurations applied to it, such as its own firewall rules, which allow for more fine-grained control over what data can pass through and where it goes. Subnets also allow organizations to better manage their networks, making it easier to track down any problems that may arise due to blocked or redirected traffic.

What are static and dynamic IP addresses?

A static IP address is one that remains constant while a dynamic IP address changes every time you connect to the internet. Static addresses are usually assigned by ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and are used for servers or other services like hosting websites or running FTP (File Transfer Protocol) services. Dynamic addresses are typically assigned to individual users when they connect to their ISP’s network and usually stay active until either the user disconnects from the network or until their lease expires.

Why do we need static IP addresses?

Static IP addresses are necessary for certain applications and services, such as hosting websites or running game servers. They make it easier for clients to connect since they do not have to keep track of changing IP addresses each time, they access something online. Additionally, static IPs can be beneficial if you want your computer or server always reachable online with its domain name, especially if you want people who know your domain name (but not your exact IP) to be able to access it at any time.

What is a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a private network connection that allows users to securely connect to remote networks over the public internet. It provides a secure tunnel between two endpoints, usually your computer and the server of the service you are connecting to, by using encryption protocols like SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or HTTPS (HTTP Secure). This creates an added security layer since all your data sent over this connection will be encrypted before it is transmitted across the public internet. It also makes it harder for third parties to spy on your internet activities.

What is DNS (Domain Name System)?

DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it is a system used to translate domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that are readable by computers on the internet (like 192.168.0.1). Every time you visit a website, your browser needs to first find the related IP address before it can establish a connection and display its contents in your browser window. The DNS servers provide this mapping between domain names and IP addresses so that you do not have to remember each one manually every time you want to access something online.

What kind of firewall protection do I need when using IP?

It’s important to always have some kind of firewall protection when using an IP address so that unauthorized users cannot access sensitive data or resources on your network without permission from authorized administrators, particularly if you’re connecting from outside of the office/home environment with an unprotected connection such as Wi-Fi hotspots or public networks where hackers may be present trying to intercept traffic for malicious purposes. It is best practice for companies and organizations who have these types of connections in place should use additional layers such as intrusion prevention systems (IPS), proxy servers and two-factor authentication wherever possible even when at home or travelling abroad to always keep their data safe and secure.