An IP address is the numeric identifier assigned to a device on a network. It works like a digital address used to send and receive data between devices, routers, providers, and websites.
IP addresses are divided into public and private. The public IP is assigned by your provider and is visible on the internet. The private IP is assigned by your router to devices in your local network, such as 192.168.1.10 for a PC.
Static vs Dynamic IP
A static IP stays the same and is useful for remote access, cameras, or home servers. A dynamic IP may change over time and is the most common option for home users.
Inside your LAN, you can also use dynamic addresses (assigned by DHCP) or static addresses (set manually). If you use static addresses, avoid conflicts with existing devices.
IPv4 vs IPv6
The most common format is IPv4, made of four numeric blocks separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.1. Since IPv4 space is limited, IPv6 was introduced with a larger hexadecimal format.
Most networks today use both protocols. For router setup, you usually access private IPv4 addresses like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Understanding public/private and static/dynamic IPs helps you troubleshoot and configure networks correctly.
Guides to finding your IP address Modem and router configuration