What is an IP address? Simply put, an IP address is the numerical representation of a unique computer address. The purpose of this address is to allow a computer or server to be located and to function correctly within a network of computers. There are many services that claim to give out this information, but you should be careful with who you deal with and what you’re really getting. Below is a simple explanation of what exactly is an IP address and how it works.
What is an IP address, anyway? This question may seem elementary, but it’s actually very complicated. In simple terms, an IP address is a numerical representation of a particular location on the internet. It can be used to say that every computer on the world wide web has a certain IP address that it can use to connect back to. Usually, you will find this number listed somewhere on the router, usually near the port number.
How does the internet connection work? When you go online, the first thing that happens is your computer exchanges information with a server. This server then sends its request to all the other computers on the internet. The request is made using a request/response pattern, which is essentially a series of code that allows each computer to communicate with each other.
So, what exactly is this process? To put it simply, when you go online, you send requests to other computers on the internet. Each of these requests is made using a different IP address. Because of this, it is possible for two computers to share the same IP address. If this sounds confusing, then you’ll be pleased to know that it’s not. In fact, it’s completely safe to have multiple IP addresses on a single system, as there won’t be any risks of unauthorized access.
So, if you’re wondering “What is an IP address:”, the answer is relatively simple. Basically, your computer connects to the internet via this unique address. Once connected, it can then exchange information with other computers on the internet based on this address. This exchange is done constantly by every internet-connected computer, and it is why you will hear about “broadband” and “IP” everywhere you go.
With that in mind, the purpose of your unique IP address is to allow you to exchange information with other computers on the internet. However, there is more to it than just making up an internet connection. The address is essentially used as a way to make it difficult for someone to tell your computer apart from someone else’s.
As mentioned above, every internet-connected computer uses the IP address to connect to the internet. They use this address to determine their own location, and they use it to tell the world where to send messages and data. The internet, of course, makes use of this service to exchange information between computers. If you want to send an email to your friend, you don’t need to use a normal email address or your personal one, but you do need to use their unique IP address to help get your friend’s attention.
Unfortunately, not everyone respects the privacy of their IP address. If a person knows your unique internet connection number, they can easily get your email address and use it to send unsolicited junk mail to you. Also, your IP address is required to enter into any secure areas of the internet, such as online banking. This is because your IP lets the bank know which computer you are using to make your payment.
