🧩 What Is an IP Address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique number assigned to each device that connects to the internet. It acts like a digital home address, allowing devices to communicate with each other across networks. Every website you visit and service you use relies on your IP address to know where to send data.

🌐 How Does It Work?

When you visit a website, your device sends a request to that site’s server using your IP address. The server responds by sending the requested data (like this webpage) back to your device. Without an IP address, the internet wouldn't know where to deliver information.

🔢 IPv4 vs. IPv6

• IPv4: The older and most common format (e.g. 192.168.1.1). Limited to about 4.3 billion addresses.
• IPv6: A newer format designed to support the explosion of connected devices (e.g. 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334).

📍 Static vs. Dynamic IPs

• Static IP: Permanently assigned to a device. Useful for servers or remote access setups.
• Dynamic IP: Temporarily assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Most home users have this.

🔒 Public vs. Private IPs

• Public IP: Assigned by your ISP and visible to websites you visit. This is what this tool shows you.
• Private IP: Used inside your home or office network (e.g. 192.168.0.1). Not visible to the public internet.

🕵️ How Do Websites Detect Your IP?

Websites detect your IP through the request headers your browser sends when connecting to a server. These headers include your public IP, which can then be used for geolocation, analytics, personalization, or security.