What Is an IP Address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to a network. It serves two primary functions: identifying the host or device, and providing the location of that device in the network, enabling routing of data across the internet. See your current IP address →
IPv4 vs IPv6
There are two versions of IP in active use today. IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses and is running out of space; IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses and was designed to replace it. Read the full IPv4 vs IPv6 comparison →
| IPv4 | IPv6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Four decimal numbers (0–255), e.g. 192.168.1.1 | Eight hex groups, e.g. 2001:0db8::1 |
| Address space | ~4.3 billion | ~340 undecillion |
| Adopted | 1981 | 1998 (widespread since ~2012) |
| NAT required? | Often (due to address exhaustion) | Not needed |
| Current share | ~70%% of traffic | ~30%% of traffic |
Public vs Private IP Addresses
Your device likely has two IP addresses: a private IP assigned by your router (only visible within your home network) and a public IP assigned by your ISP (visible to the internet). You can look up any public IP address to see what information it reveals about its location and network.
| Type | Range | Visible to internet? |
|---|---|---|
| Private | 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, 192.168.0.0/16 | No |
| Public | All other ranges | Yes |
| Loopback | 127.0.0.1 | No - Local device only |
Static vs Dynamic IPs
- Dynamic IPs are assigned by your ISP's DHCP server and can change each time you reconnect. Most home users have dynamic IPs.
- Static IPs are fixed and never change. Required for hosting servers, VPNs, and remote access.
- You can request a static IP from your ISP, usually for an additional monthly fee.
What Information Does an IP Address Reveal?
An IP address can reveal your approximate city, ISP, and whether you are using a VPN or proxy. It cannot reveal your exact street address or identity. Use our IP lookup tool to see what data is attached to any IP, or learn how accurate IP geolocation really is.