Public vs Private IP Addresses

When it comes to IP addresses, they are categorized in two major types: Public IP Addresses and Private IP Addresses. Both play a key role in network communication; however, they serve different purposes. Let’s examine them more closely:

Public IP Addresses

A public IP address is a globally unique IP address that is assigned to a device or a network. This type of IP address is reachable over the Internet and enables devices to communicate with other devices, servers, and networks located anywhere in the world.

Here are some key features of public IP addresses:

Example: 72.14.207.99

Private IP Addresses

Private IP addresses, on the other hand, are used within local area networks (LANs) and are not visible on the Internet. These addresses are reserved for internal use within an organization, home, or local network. They are often assigned by a router or a network administrator for devices within the same network, such as your computer, printer, or smartphone.

Here are some key features of private IP addresses:

Private IP address ranges:

Example: 192.168.1.100

In summary, public IP addresses are used for communication over the Internet, whereas private IP addresses are used within local networks. Understanding the difference between these two types of IP addresses is essential for grasping the basics of network connectivity and cyber security.