IP Address - What it is, types, and simple privacy tips

IP Address

What it is

An IP address is a device’s network ID - the number that lets computers find each other on the internet or a local network. The classic format is IPv4 (four numbers like 192.168.1.38). There is also IPv6 (longer, hex numbers like 2001:0db8::1) to handle billions more devices. For a short primer, see our IP address explainer.

Why it matters

Websites, apps, and routers use IPs to route traffic. Your public IP is seen by the internet; private IPs are used inside your home or office network. IPs can hint at location and provider, so they touch privacy as well as connectivity.

Quick tour

  • IPv4 vs IPv6 - IPv6 is newer, bigger, and more efficient

  • Public vs private - public is outward facing, private stays inside your LAN

  • Dynamic vs static - dynamic changes over time, static stays fixed

  • NAT - many private devices share one public IP via your router

Simple safety tips

  • Use a trusted router firewall and keep firmware updated

  • Turn off unneeded port forwarding and UPnP

  • Prefer HTTPS and DNS over HTTPS to reduce snooping

  • Be mindful that IPs can be logged - use MFA and good passwords everywhere

    Glossary (A–Z)

    All A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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