With computers behind almost everything in society it's a necessity to pick up on some of the jargon. If you use a computer or browse the internet at all, you're likely to come across talk of IP Addresses. In the simplest terms, an IP address is a numerical label that marks devices on a network. Basically, it shows where a computer is on a network and can describe what the device is, like a house or apartment in a town. The IP in the term stands for Internet Protocol, and the address can either be static or dynamic. A static address is a unique and permanent number assigned to a computer, like a thumbprint. A dynamic address is a temporary number that is assigned each time a computer enters a particular network. IP addresses are typically used to find computers or servers across the web to connect to. From there somebody can talk over the internet, share information, browse a web page, or even play a game with a friend.

Every computer has an IP and each looks like four sets of numbers separated by decimals. Each set can range from 0 to 255 and are occasionally described as octets. This refers to binary code, the language through which computers communicate. Each set of numbers in an IP Address is shown as eight 0's or 1's in binary. Since there are four sets, each being an octet, IP addresses are often referred to as 32-bit addresses. The binary code used to describe any particular IP address may vary and marks what class of network the IP address belongs to. There are five classes of networks, ranging from A through E.

Each class describes how many addresses an organization can support, as well as the size and type of network. Each class provides a certain amount of address space across a network, Class A being the biggest portion and E being the smallest. The first octet in an address shows which class the IP address is apart of. Class A starts with 0. Class B starts as 10. Class C is 110. Class D starts with 1110, and Class E starts with 1111. Classes A though C are standard networks, or unicast networks. Classes D and E are special types of networks, D being multicast and E being reserved. The Classful system is only seen in remnants today and has been effectively replaced by Classless Inter-Domain Routing.

In summary, an IP Address shows where a device is on a network so that other devices may interact with it. When you look up a web page, send an email, play an online game, or connect to any kind of network, an IP Address is being used to make it possible. An IP address is not always intended to identify the device, but primarily where it is. If you want to find your own IP Address, there are many sites that do the work for you and display all the details.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Rothwell