Today’s lesson goal: Understand the function and structure of IP addresses in navigating the vast network of the internet.
IP addresses are the cornerstone of internet communication, acting as unique identifiers for each device connected to the network. There are two primary versions of IP addresses in use: IPv4 and IPv6.
IPv4 is the most widely used format. It consists of four numbers separated by periods, each ranging from 0 to 255. An example would be 192.168.1.1. However, due to the exponential growth of internet-enabled devices, IPv4 addresses are becoming scarce.
To address this limitation, IPv6 was developed. It uses 128 bits, as opposed to the 32 bits used by IPv4, offering a significantly larger address pool. An IPv6 address appears as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits, such as 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.
Dynamic and Static IP Addresses:
- Dynamic IP addresses change over time and are assigned by the network when a device connects. They are commonly used in residential internet connections.
- Static IP addresses remain constant and are typically used by servers or devices needing a permanent address.
How IP Addresses Work:
- Device Identification: Each device on a network has a unique IP address, ensuring data is sent to the correct destination.
- Routing: Routers use IP addresses to forward data packets across networks to reach the intended device.
- Location Services: IP addresses can provide location information, albeit not precise, useful for services like geo-restricted content.
The process of translating domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses is done through a system called DNS (Domain Name System).
Subnetting and Masking:
- Networks can be divided into subnetworks (subnets) to manage and route traffic efficiently.
- A subnet mask determines the network and host portion of an IP address.
Further your understanding by watching this YouTube video explaining more about IP addresses: IP Addresses and the Internet.
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