Every device connected to the internet has an identifier, much like a home address in the physical world. This identifier is an IP address, an essential but often overlooked component of online connectivity. It’s what allows computers, smartphones, servers, and other devices to communicate with one another seamlessly across the vast expanse of the internet.
But what exactly is an IP address? What does an address like 185.63.2253.200 mean? And, more importantly, how can you protect your IP from unwanted exposure? Let’s unpack these questions one at a time.
Introduction to IP Addresses
An IP address (short for Internet Protocol address) is a numerical label assigned to every device connected to a computer network. It has two main purposes:
- Identifying the device within the network.
- Facilitating communication by providing the location and allowing devices to send or receive data.
IP addresses are the bedrock of the internet. When you browse a website, send an email, or stream a video, your device uses its IP address to establish the connection and retrieve the requested data.
For instance, typing a URL into your browser essentially translates the website’s domain name into its corresponding IP address, which your device then uses to find the site’s server.
Types of IP Address Assignments
There are two kinds of IP addresses based on how they’re assigned:
- Static IP Addresses – These are fixed and do not change. They’re often used for servers or devices where a consistent connection is required.
- Dynamic IP Addresses – These change over time and are assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISP) to accommodate a large number of users efficiently.
Now that you know what an IP address is, let’s look into the two formats currently in use.
Understanding IPv4 and IPv6
The two primary versions of IP addresses are IPv4 and IPv6. Both are protocols for identifying and localising devices, but they differ in structure and capacity.
IPv4
The most widely used version, IPv4, features a 32-bit address space and looks something like this: 192.168.1.1. It contains four numbers separated by dots, each ranging from 0 to 255.
However, IPv4 has its limitations. With the explosion of devices globally, the available IPv4 address pool has become insufficient. The internet has essentially run out of unique IPv4 addresses for new devices.
IPv6
Enter IPv6, the modern successor to IPv4. It uses a larger 128-bit system to accommodate the growing demand. An example of an IPv6 address looks like this:
2001:db8::ff00:42:8329
IPv6 not only provides an exponentially larger address pool but also includes enhanced features like built-in security and improved efficiency. While adoption of IPv6 is on the rise, IPv4 still dominates, making addresses like 185.63.2253.200 particularly relevant.
What is 185.63.2253.200?
At first glance, 185.63.2253.200 might look like a regular IPv4 numeric string, but there’s something off here. The segment “2253” exceeds the maximum value of 255 permitted in each of the four octets of an IPv4 address.
This suggests that 185.63.2253.200 could be the result of a typo or formatting error. IP addresses never include values higher than 255 in any segment. Once corrected, the potential valid IP address might look like 185.63.253.200.
Validating IP Addresses
If you’re working with an IP address and suspect an error like the one above, tools such as IP validation services or command-line utilities like Ping can help verify its legitimacy. Correct formatting is essential, particularly in professional networking environments.
Determining the IP Address Type
Now that we’ve clarified 185.63.2253.200, how do you categorise IP addresses? Here’s a breakdown of the main types:
Public and Private IPs
- Public IP Address: Assigned to devices that interact directly with the internet. Internet-facing servers, routers, and home modems all have public IPs.
- Private IP Address: Used for devices within a local network (e.g., your laptop, printer, or smartphone). These are not accessible directly from the internet and are reserved for internal communication.
Static and Dynamic Addresses
- Static IPs are manually configured and remain constant. Businesses prefer these for hosting websites or services.
- Dynamic IPs are assigned temporarily by your ISP and can change with each session.
What Can You Find Out About an IP Address?
An IP address can reveal significant information, albeit not always personal. Key details may include:
- Geographical Location – Using services like IP geolocation, you can identify the approximate region, city, or ISP of an IP address.
- ISP Details – The name of the internet service provider associated with a public IP address.
- Device Activity – Network administrators can trace traffic and data flows to monitor activity associated with specific IPs.
However, contrary to common myths, IP addresses alone do not reveal highly specific or personal data about individual users.
How to Protect Your IP Address
Your IP address is essential for online functionality, but it can also pose risks if exposed publicly. Here’s how you can protect it:
Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A VPN hides your original IP address by routing your internet traffic through a remote server, effectively masking your location and activity.
Secure Your Home Network
- Always set a strong password for your Wi-Fi.
- Regularly update your router’s firmware.
- Disable remote management unless absolutely necessary.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Unless you’re certain a public connection is secure, avoid using it to access sensitive data. Alternatively, use a VPN to ensure safety.
Limit Sharing of Your IP Address
Be cautious when sharing your IP address, even within forums or tech support chats. Only share it if absolutely necessary and with trusted sources.
Monitor for Suspicious Activity
Keep an eye on what happens within your network. Use tools that can detect unauthorised connections or activity tied to unknown IPs.
Safeguard Your Digital Presence
IP addresses may seem like ordinary strings of numbers, but they play a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining online connections. They’re the backbone of our digital infrastructure and, like any critical asset, deserve careful protection from potential misuse.
To learn more about IP addresses and manage them effectively, stay informed and leverage tools that prioritise online privacy and security. Understanding the fundamentals is your first step toward a safer and more efficient digital experience.
