Last Updated On September 14, 2021

Basic Classifications of IP Addresses Everyone Should Know

IP addresses are a collection of numbers used for the sole purpose of identifying network hardware that is connected to a computer network. The full meaning of I.P is Internet Protocol so the IP address will be Internet Protocol Address. This means of distinguishing via I.P address helps to facilitate the movement of data from one system to another as it helps in the current identification of a said computer transmission location. IP addresses can be classified based on dynamism, version, privacy, and sharing.

Based on Dynamism

IP Addresses are classified into 2

• Dynamic IP addresses
• Static IP addresses

Dynamic IP Addresses

These IP addresses are set up automatically while assigning an I.P to the network. This process is enabled by the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.

Static IP Addresses

These IP addresses are set up manually while assigning and it is fixed to an existing network.

Based on Version

IP Addresses are classified into 2

• IPv4
• IPv6

IPv4

Based on version IPv4, the IP address consists of 4 to 12 digits in a cluster of 2s and 3s with decimal points separating them. There are roughly 4 billion unique configurations of the IPv4 address, which is a limitation in a population of over 8 billion humans with roughly a third having multiple exclusive devices. The digits range from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.

IPv6

The deficiencies of IPv4 gave rise to the creation of IPv6. This can accommodate more unique IP addresses as it is at least hexadecimal with an alphanumeric composition having unique IPs of about 34 x 1036. A typical format is 5689:1967: 4hgr: tc677:980:t4km:96ht.

Based on Privacy

IP addresses are also classified into two based on privacy:

• Public IP addresses
• Private IP addresses

Public IP Addresses

This is the address unique to your network that enables connection to the global network of devices.

Private IP Addresses

These IP addresses are configured to your public network’s ISP (Internet Service Provider) for private consumption. So, devices that connect to your network assume the private IP assigned.

Based on IP Address Sharing

There are two (2) classifications based on sharing

• Shared IP addresses
• Personalized or dedicated IP addresses

Shared IP Addresses

Here, multiple sites relay to a single IP address. Meaning, they also share the same domain name system (DNS) and server. How do they maintain order? They do this through the redirector. So, when a request comes in for a particle site, the DNS and Server rectify the flow of traffic and redirect accordingly.

Personalized or Dedicated IP Addresses

Here, it is a single site relaying to a single IP address policy. Meaning, there is no sharing of domain name system (DNS) and Server with any other website.

Conclusion

An IP address is important for the seamless transmission of data over the internet. Every device with an internet connection has an IP address including the one you’re using to read this article. You can get the answer to “what is my ip address” from IPcost within a few minutes.