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IP

What is IP? Definition and meaning

IP is short for “Internet Protocol”. The job of IP is to transmit data packets across the internet. For this, every device connected to the internet (for example a computer, mobile phone, server and so on) is assigned a globally unique IP address. There are two different types of IP address: static and dynamic.

Static and dynamic IP addresses

Static IP addresses are permanently assigned addresses. Dynamic ones, by contrast, are addresses that keep changing. Some internet providers have a kind of pool of IP addresses that customers can use to dial into the internet depending on availability.

IPv4 and IPv6

IPv4 refers to the classic IP address made up of a 32-bit number. It is formed using values from 0 to 255. As the IPv4 system is no longer sufficient for today’s usage, however, IPv6 was developed. This consists of a 128-bit number, from which more than 340 sextillion (340 followed by 36 zeros) IP addresses can be formed.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the abbreviation IP stand for?
IP stands for “Internet Protocol”. Its job is to transmit data packets across the internet. For this, every device connected to the internet, such as a computer, mobile phone or server, is given a globally unique IP address.
What is the difference between a static and a dynamic IP address?
Static IP addresses are permanently assigned, whereas dynamic ones change constantly. Some internet providers use a pool of addresses that customers dial into depending on availability.
What sets IPv4 and IPv6 apart?
IPv4 is the classic 32-bit address with values from 0 to 255, while IPv6 uses 128 bit and allows for more than 340 sextillion addresses. The complete overview of functions shows how projectfacts is built technically.