IP address:

IP stands for internet protocol. It is a logical (unique) address to provide all networking devices to identfy each network device on the network. This is routed protocol provides packet delivery services between host. IP carries the information to determine where to send the packet by looking at the destination ip address. 

Let's understand with this an example like if someone wans to reach at your home then they should have your home address details. similarly, your computer or network device needs too an ip address so that other computer/device on the internet can communicate with each other to deliver the data. IP addresses are assigned by IANA (Internet assigned number autority).

Characteristics of IP address

  • IP operates at the Network layer of OSI model
  • Every packet is treated independendly
  • IP is connectionless protocol - IP is connectionless protocol and IP itself does not setup a coonection, in order to transport data we need Transport layer and use TCP or UDP.
Types of IP address:

IP address is of two types: IPv4 and IPv6

IPv4 address:
  • An IPv4 address is 32 bits address and consist two parts, Network part and Host part.
  • The size of the ipv4 Header is 20 bytes and containing 13 fields. 
  • It has 4 octet per octet 8 bits (1 byte).
  • IPv4 divided into 5 classes, class A, class B, Class C, Class D and class E.


Note: 127.0.0.0 network are used for the loopback address or LAN testing.