Functions of IP Addresses
A computer or network device has a unique IP address that identifies it on the internet or a local network. A computer’s IP address works much like a physical mail address does, pinpointing the location of a system over the internet. An IP address consists of two parts, a network prefix and the rest of the bits (called the host ID or interface identifier). The host part identifies the specific device within a network, much like a room number in an office building would. Consumer devices, such as PCs, laptops, smartphones and tablets have a public IP address assigned by their Internet Service Providers (ISP).
ISPs purchase a large pool of ip addresses to assign to their subscribers. The pools are managed by DNS servers, DHCP servers or other network management tools. The pool of available IP addresses are divided into subnets that contain groups of devices with the same logical connections. Each subnetwork has a unique set of network addressing rules. An IP address is divided into a network and host portion by using a subnet mask, class identifiers or default network address formats.
The two most important roles and functions of an IP address are: identifying the system over the network and locating the system on the network. This function is essential because it gives every system on the internet a distinct identity that allows it to connect with hubs, routers and switches and access data over the internet. It also allows a system to send messages across the internet by identifying itself as a legitimate source.
Roles and Functions of IP Addresses
It is also possible for cybercriminals to use your IP address to execute attacks against you and your business. For example, they can execute a DoS attack that floods your system with traffic in an attempt to cause it to malfunction or to stop functioning altogether. They can also use your IP address to target other individuals in the network and take control of their device to execute more sophisticated attacks.
The world of IP addresses is a complex and ever-changing one. It is globally administered by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), but locally it may be managed by ISPs, business administrators or home routers. IP addresses are assigned either dynamically as systems join the network, or manually when they are static. Dynamic IP addresses are more common and usually have a DHCP server that manages the pool of available IP addresses to minimize conflicts. A static IP address is less commonly used by consumers but can be useful for businesses wanting to monitor their devices or by network admins configuring WatchGuard XTM and Firebox appliances.
While most internet users don’t need to know how IP addresses work, it is important for IT professionals to understand them. An IT professional can use this knowledge to troubleshoot network issues and to better protect their networks from hackers and other malicious activity. Simplilearn offers online training courses that can help you gain more understanding about the role of an IP address in the world of cybersecurity.