IP ADRESS
IP ADRESS
► IPV4: This is the most common format and consists of four sets of numbers
ranging from 0 to 255, separated by periods (e.g. 192.168.1.1)
► IPv6: This newer format was developed to address the limitation of IPv4’s
address space. It uses eight groups of hexadecimal numbers separated by
colons (e.g. 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334)
advantages and disadvantages
► IP addresses work by providing a system for identifying and locating devices on a network, whether
it's the internet or a local network. Here's a simplified explanation of how they function:
► 1. Structure and Types
• IPv4: Uses a 32-bit address, typically written as four decimal numbers separated by periods (e.g.,
192.168.1.1). This provides about 4.3 billion unique addresses.
• IPv6: Uses a 128-bit address, written as eight groups of hexadecimal numbers separated by colons
(e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). This provides a vastly larger pool of addresses.
► 2. Assignment
• Dynamic IP Addressing: Most devices receive IP addresses automatically from a DHCP (Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol) server. This server assigns an IP address from a pool of available addresses
when the device connects to the network.
• Static IP Addressing: Some devices are assigned fixed IP addresses manually, which do not change.
This is useful for servers or network devices that need a consistent address.
► 3. Data Transmission
► When a device wants to send data over the internet, it breaks the data into small packets. Each
packet includes:
• Source IP Address: The IP address of the sending device.
• Destination IP Address: The IP address of the receiving device.
• Payload: The actual data being sent.
► 4. Routing
• Routers: These devices use the destination IP address to determine the best path for the packet to
travel through the network. They inspect the IP address and forward the packet accordingly.
• Routing Tables: Routers maintain tables that map IP addresses to their corresponding paths or next-hop
routers. They use these tables to efficiently route packets across networks.
► 5. Network Address Translation (NAT)
• Private vs. Public IP Addresses: Within a local network (like a home or office network), devices often
use private IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.0.1). These addresses are not routable over the internet.
• Translation: NAT allows multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IP address. The
router translates private IP addresses into the public IP address and vice versa. This helps manage
address shortages and enhances security.
► 6. Protocol Interaction
• IP Protocol: Works in conjunction with other protocols such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or
UDP (User Datagram Protocol). TCP, for instance, ensures reliable, ordered delivery of packets, while
UDP is used for faster, less reliable transmissions.
• IP Header: Each packet has an IP header containing information like source and destination addresses,
as well as other metadata needed for routing and delivery.
► 7. Error Handling and Acknowledgement
• ACKs and Retransmissions: Protocols like TCP use acknowledgments to confirm receipt of packets. If a
packet is lost or corrupted, it is retransmitted.
► 8. Security
• Firewalls: Monitor and filter incoming and outgoing traffic based on IP addresses to prevent
unauthorized access.
• Encryption: Ensures that data sent between devices is protected, even if intercepted.
► In essence, IP addresses provide a systematic way to identify and locate devices, enabling them to send
and receive data across networks efficiently.