What is an IP Address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to the internet. Think of it as your device's mailing address on the web – it tells other computers where to send data when you request a webpage, send an email, or stream a video.

There are two types of IP addresses in use today:

• IPv4 – The original format using four sets of numbers (e.g., 192.168.1.1). With only about 4.3 billion possible addresses, IPv4 addresses are becoming scarce.
• IPv6 – The newer format using eight groups of hexadecimal numbers (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). IPv6 provides virtually unlimited addresses for the growing number of internet-connected devices.

Why Check Your IP Address?

Knowing your public IP address is useful in many situations:

• VPN Verification – Confirm your VPN is working by checking if your IP location has changed.
• Network Troubleshooting – Diagnose connectivity issues by verifying your public IP is being assigned correctly.
• Remote Access Setup – Configure remote desktop, game servers, or security cameras that need your IP address.
• Security Awareness – Understand what information websites can see about your connection.
• Firewall Configuration – Set up access rules that require knowing your current IP address.

Public vs. Private IP Addresses

Your public IP address (shown above) is what the outside world sees. It's assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and is how websites identify your connection.

Your private IP address is used within your local network (home or office). Devices on your network communicate using private IPs like 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x, which are then translated to your public IP when accessing the internet through your router.

Is My IP Address Permanent?

Most residential internet connections use dynamic IP addresses, meaning your IP can change periodically – typically when your router restarts or your ISP refreshes assignments. Businesses often pay for static IP addresses that remain constant, which is essential for hosting servers or maintaining consistent remote access.

Protecting Your Privacy

Your IP address can reveal your approximate geographic location and ISP. To enhance your online privacy, consider:

• VPN Services – Route your traffic through encrypted servers to mask your real IP.
• Proxy Servers – Act as intermediaries between your device and websites.
• Tor Browser – Provides anonymity by routing traffic through multiple encrypted nodes.

IP Lobster respects your privacy – we display your connection information but don't log or store any personal data.