IP addresses are numbers that identify your computer or network on the Internet. It will depend on your Internet service provider how many other computers have the same IP address and how often yours will change. The main purpose of this number is to allow you to request information from websites and have them send it to you. It is your cyberspace address discoverable with an IP address search.
Does Every Device Have A Unique IP Address?
Most ISP’s will assign an IP address to a whole region. It might be your whole street or it could be bigger than that. If you have the same ISP as your neighbor, odds are good you are sharing an IP address.
Dynamic vs. Static IP Addresses
Unless you request it special from your ISP or go into your system and change the configuration, your IP address will change over time. This is a dynamic address. Your ISP will change it either on a routine basis or every time you log into the Internet. While this may keep your computer safer from hackers than having the same IP address, a static one, all the time, it does create a few connection and speed issues. A changing IP address means a website may not be able to find you again if you have removed the cookies, or little traces, from your computer. There are times when it is best for you to have a static address though, such as:
- If you use VOIP for your telephone – dynamic IP addresses are not as stable as static ones, you will drop more calls and your calls may fade in and out.
- If you are an avid online gamer – To make sure you do not lose connection in the middle of battle, a static IP address is best.
- If your internal network does a lot of interacting and you need it to be secure from any other networks – You do not want outsiders on your IP address making it easier for them to hack into your network.
Think of everything you do online as being in a different world, in cyberspace, that can connect back to you in this world. Your IP address is simply the way you are contacted in cyberspace. Without it you could look in on websites, but not interact with them in any way. Some websites would not even recognize you and not let you browse their pages. It would be very lonely in cyberspace without an IP address.