IP address and Subnet

What does an IP address mean? Every device that is connected to a computer network has a unique number called an IP address (Internet Protocol address). An IP address is like a home address in that it tells the internet exactly where to send data, just like a postal address tells the delivery person exactly where to drop off your package. There are two versions that people use today: IPv4 is the older and most common format. Written as four groups of numbers with dots between them, like 192.168.1.1. There are about 4.3 billion possible addresses because each number can be between 0 and 255. IPv6 is the newer format that was made to fix the problem of IPv4 running out. Written in hexadecimal, like this: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. It can handle an almost infinite number of addresses. Public IP Address vs. Private IP Address IP Address Given by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) Used online One of a kind around the world IP for private use Used in networks that are close by