What is an IP Address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique string of numbers separated by periods or colons used to identify each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.

IPv4 vs IPv6

IPv4 is the most commonly used type, in the format 192.168.1.1. IPv6 is newer, using hexadecimal notation like 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334.

Why IP Addresses Matter

Your IP address reveals general location, ISP, and network ownership — and it's how servers route traffic to you.