Understanding IP Addresses

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated March 15, 2021)

1

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is required for every device connected to an IP-governed network. IP addresses are part of the "conversation" that occurs between clients and servers over DHCP. (See the tip titled Understanding DHCP for more information.)

There are two types of IP addresses: IPv4, which uses 32-bit numbers to store the address, and IPv6, which uses 128-bit numbers to store the address. IPv6 was established because it was predicted in the 1990's that all 32-bit addresses would soon be spoken for.

An IPv4 address is a sequence of four groups of numbers separated by periods (called the dot-decimal notation). For example, the "google.com" domain uses (among others) an IPv4 address of 74.125.225.114. Behind each of the four groups of an IPv4 address is an eight-bit number, so each group can range from 0 to 255. This implies that a little over four billion unique addresses (256 x 256 x 256 x 256) can be represented by an IPv4 address. Because of the IPv4 specification and reserved addresses, though, not all potential addresses are actually available.

An IPv6 address is a sequence of eight groups of numbers separated by colons. Behind each of the eight groups is a 16-bit number, so each group can range from 0 to FFFF (hex). Hex numbers can appear as part of an IPv6 address, so a theoretical IPv6 address may look something like this: 2002:0715:44D5:C4AE:2910:0AE7:D29F:948D.

 This tip (13104) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Using Sticky Keys

Sticky Keys is an accessibility feature designed for people who have trouble holding down two or more keys ...

Discover More

Understanding Compressed Folders

If you're running low on disk space, you may want to consider creating some compressed folders to give you a little ...

Discover More

Introduction to PowerShell

PowerShell is found on all modern Windows computers. You might think of it as the next step up from the command line .bat ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Understanding DHCP

DHCP allows computers to join IP-governed networks without the need for system administrators to set up configuration ...

Discover More

Setting the Default Browser

Some people are passionate about the browser they use to access the Web. If you have a favorite browser that you want to ...

Discover More

Microsoft Edge Extensions

Like all good browsers, Microsoft Edge supports extensions. Although getting and using them may be a little rough around ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is two more than 8?

2021-03-15 11:08:17

bonzadog

Hello,
IP addresses - what information do they contain. Such a which country??

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.