How to Check IP Address and Know the Type of IP Address on Windows and MAC IP Address is defined as the address to identify the device via the internet or local network. By knowing how to check the IP Address on the device, users can easily connect to internet access and go online.
IP stands for Internet Protocol. Internet Protocol is used to control the format of data sent over the internet or local networks.
In short, an IP address is a numeric label on a device to connect and send information to a computer network that uses the internet for communication.
The Internet requires steps to compare between computers, routers, and other websites. IP addresses provide a way to compare and are an important part of how the internet works.
IP Address consists of four sequences of numbers, for example 192.158.1.38. Each number in a series starts with the numbers 0 to 255. So, the IP Address number range can start from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.
According to Kaspersky, IP Address numbers are not random numbers, but are mathematically generated and distributed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).
How to Check IP Address
Then, how do we check our IP Address for both Windows and Mac devices? Launching the official Avast website, there is a way to check the IP Address that is tailored to the type of your device.
- Right-click on the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen, then select Settings.
- Click Network and Internet (Network & Internet)
- Select WiFi or Ethernet in the left menu options, but depending on whether you are connected wirelessly
- wireless or via Ethernet cable
- Click Network in the middle column. Your IP address appears in the next window in the IPv4 Address options.
- Click the Network Connection icon and select Open Network and System Sharing (Open
- Network and Sharing System)
- Double-click Wireless Network Connection or if you are using
- wired connection, double click Local Area Connection
- Click Details and your IP address will appear.
- Click the Network Connection icon and select Open Network and Sharing.
- Double click Wireless Network Connection or Local Area Connection
- Click Details and your IP address appears.
After knowing how to check IP Address for Windows operating system, here’s how to check IP Address for Mac:
- Scroll or pull down the Apple menu and select System Preferences
- Pull down the View menu and select Network
- In the left column, click Network Connection, generally Ethernet or WiFi depending on whether you have a wired or wireless connection
- For Ethernet connection, the IP address will be displayed immediately
- As for the WiFi connection, click the Advanced option in the lower right corner then click TCP/IP at the top of the window and the IP address is displayed.
Types of IP Address
There are different types of IP addresses for each category. The first IP addresses are grouped by category of consumer IP addresses which include private IP addresses and public IP addresses.
Consumer IP Address
The private and public IP addresses are associated with the network location. Private IP addresses are used inside a network while public IP addresses are used outside the network. Here’s the description.
- Private IP Address or Private IP Address
Every device connected to your internet network has a private IP address, including PCs, smartphones, bluetooth speakers, printers, and Smart TVs.
With the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), the number of private IP addresses may increase.
Your router needs a way to identify IP Address items separately and many items need a way to identify each other.
- Public IP Address or Public IP Address
Public IP Address is the address used by all devices outside the internet network to identify your network.
Your public IP address is assigned to the router by the ISP. Typically, ISPs have a large pool of IP addresses distributed to customers.
This address has two categories, namely dynamic and static. Dynamic Public IP Address changes automatically and periodically.
ISPs purchase a large number of IP addresses and assign them automatically to their customers. Periodically, they assign and re-add old IP addresses to the pool for other customers to use.
The rationale for this approach is to generate cost savings for ISPs (internet service providers).
Automating regular IP address switching means there’s no need to take certain actions to reassign a customer’s IP address if it moves, for example.
In contrast to dynamic, static addresses are consistent. This means that after the network assigns an IP address, the address will remain the same even if it changes places.
Most individuals and businesses don’t need a static IP address, but for businesses planning to host their own servers, it’s very important to have a static IP address.
Shared and Dedicated IP
Meanwhile, other types of IP addresses are shared and dedicated IPs. This type is used by website owners who do not host their own servers, and rely on a web hosting package –which is what most websites do.
With the previous explanation regarding public IPs, of course you already understand that each website server has one IP address.
Shared IP is usually found on shared hosting servers. All of its users share all of the server’s resources, including its IP address.
Not only that, all domains belonging to a user also use the same IP address.
If shared IP is shared by all users on a server, dedicated IP is only used by one domain.
Although this type of IP address is generally offered on dedicated hosting servers and cloud VPS hosting, some web hosting service providers allow their customers to use dedicated IPs on shared hosting servers.
From time to time the number of internet users will continue to grow. This is due to the needs and lifestyles that continue to grow. The increasing number of internet users is of course the role of the IP Address is increasingly needed.
IP addresses will play a vital role in connecting computer users on the internet network. As well as IP Address functions will also be useful for all users.
After knowing how to check the IP Address, this must be used properly and optimally so that it is mutually beneficial to users and also does not harm others. Do not abuse the use of IP addresses so that it has a bad impact on other users.
Source: cnnindonesia.com
