Internet Speed Test

What is an IP address?

An IP address is like your home’s street address, but for your device on the internet. Every device connected to the internet gets assigned a unique number called an IP address. This address allows information to find its way to and from your device, just like how mail finds your house. Without an IP address, websites wouldn’t know where to send the information you request.

There are two main types: a public IP address (assigned by your internet provider and visible to the outside world) and a private IP address (assigned by your router for devices within your home network).

How does an IP address work?

Your IP address works like a return address on an envelope. When you visit a website, your device sends out data packets with your IP address attached. This tells the website where to send the information you’ve requested.

Think of the internet as a massive postal system. Your device sends a letter (data request) to a website, and your IP address ensures the website knows exactly where to send the reply. Your internet provider assigns this address to your home connection, and your router then shares it with all your connected devices.

Every website you visit can see your IP address – it’s necessary for the internet to function properly.

IPv4 vs IPv6: What’s the difference?

IPv4 and IPv6 are two different versions of IP addresses, similar to how we have different generations of phones.

IPv4 is the older version, created in the 1980s. It looks like four groups of numbers separated by dots (like 192.168.1.1). While it served us well, we’re running out of unique IPv4 addresses because it can only create about 4 billion addresses – not enough for all the devices in today’s world.

IPv6 is the newer version, designed to solve this shortage. It uses both numbers and letters, separated by colons (like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). IPv6 can create an almost unlimited number of addresses – enough for every grain of sand on Earth to have its own address!

Most devices and networks now support both versions, with a gradual transition happening from IPv4 to IPv6.