An IP address is a unique number assigned to devices connected to a computer network using the Internet Protocol. It has two main functions: to identify hosts or network interfaces and to provide location addressing. There are different versions of IP addresses, with IPv6 using a 128-bit address to allow for a vastly greater number of devices. IP addresses also have classes that categorize their ranges and intended uses, such as private networks or multicast addressing. An IP address is always used together with a subnet mask to further define the network portion of the address.
2. WHAT IS AN IP ADDRESS ???
• An internet Protocol address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected
to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. An IP
address serves two main functions: host or network interface identification and
location addressing. Wikipedia
• IP address is the name of a device in a network.
4. IP ADDRESS VERSIONS
IPv6 uses a 128-bit address, theoretically allowing 2128, or approximately
3.4×1038 addresses. The actual number is slightly smaller, as multiple
ranges are reserved for special use or completely excluded from use.
6. IP ADDRESS CLASSES
• Class A 0-126 127.0.0.1 reserved for loopbacks
• Class B 128-191
• Class C 192-223
• Class D 224-239 Multicast
• Class E 240-255 Experimental
• Note: IP address is always used with subnet mask. Subnet masks
defines IP address portions (Coming up next)