

In this case, the router acts like an intermediary that offers a path to the information pouring in through its public IP address. Devices that are behind the router such as your laptop, gaming consoles and smartphones have private IP addresses that are unique and registered on the home network. This router will have a public IP address that is accessible through the Internet. For instance, most home networks have a router. Private IP addresses cannot be reached via the Internet, whereas public IP addresses can. IP addresses can be categorized as private and public addresses. Like physical addresses, they offer a location to send information to. When computers communicate with each other over the Internet or via a local network, the information sharing is done through IP addresses. An IP address is defined as "a numerical label assigned to each devices (e.g., computer, printer) participating in a computer network that uses Internet Protocol for communication". Each number can be in the range of 0-255.

So, what is my ip address? An IP address is made up of 4 numbers in the following format:. IP Address stands for Internet Protocol Address and all devices on the network have an IP Address assigned to it. Knowing what your external facing IP address is critical for opening ports used for gaming, running an email or web server, or setting up a remote connection. Internal IP's are known as Private IP's, which are dedicated to the devices connected to your internal network router, such as laptops, desktops, printers, cell phones, smart TV, etc. A Pubic IP Address is accessible by anyone on the Internet. Your public IP address is an external facing IP Address that's provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
