Know about IP Address

IP or Internet Protocol is the numeric address of a computer through which it can be identified within a network. This numeric address consists of 32 bits and is expressed by four numbers divided by periods. This four numbers ranges from 0 to 255. Therefore, an IP address looks like 36.114.35.0.

The address can be divided into two parts. A certain portion of the address limits the search to a distinguished block, just as any postal mail is differentiated according to the zip code. The remaining portion of the address is the regional address, which helps in specifying the actual device within that network. With the help of IP address one can identify both receiver and sender of the information through Internet.

We can say that IP addresses are the medium through which computers can not only communicate but also know their position and link to each other. IP address can be called mailing address meant for the computers, while they are on Internet networking connection. This address on the other hand permits emails to go to correct place and various WebPages, so that the client could go through the right Website. The IP address of a computer either can be assigned permanently or can be allotted each time whenever a computer gets connected to the Internet with the help of Internet Service provider.

IP addresses are generally available in two types considering their use for web hosting. They are static and shared. Here, in this connection it is very important to mention that actually, no difference exists in IP address. It is only those configuration related changes on servers, which create types in IP address.

A shared IP address is that when numerous websites share the identical IP address. Here, the server of the web does some additional job, when specific web request is made and ensures that the correct or right website reaches to the client. A shared IP address is like a housing society where all the letters and postal mails reach at one specific location and accordingly mails are then distributed to the concerned households.

According to the definition of IP address, it is clear that there are numerous IP addresses accessible on the Internet. So, if each and every website in Internet possesses its own IP address, then there will be no space left for the new websites. Here in lies the need of shared IP address.

There is also static IP address. When a website contains its own IP address, it is termed as static IP address. In other words we can say that whenever someone types the URL or IP address of a certain website, both of them appears on the same page. Taking that same example, we can say that all the letters and mails reach to one specific house only.

Actually, static IP addresses are required in those cases where the user is feeling the need to access some special ways like Anonymous FTP and SSL. However, if one is not in the need for these specific requirements, then a shared IP address can easily work fine for the concerned user.