The definition of IP Address
IP address stands for Internet Protocol address. All digital devices that have an Internet connection possess a unique IP address that makes them recognizable in networks. Thanks to IP addresses, devices can communicate with each other. You can think of it as a citizenship number. IP addresses contain number combinations such as 193.256.52.
Parts of an IP address: Network ID vs. Host ID
IP addresses consist of two parts. One part refers to the network ID and the other to the host ID. Network ID refers to the location of the device. We can say that network ID represents the main device in any network. On the other hand, host ID refers to a specific device in the main network.
DNS and IP address
IP addresses also define devices on the Internet. Each website has an IP address. When you use the Internet, you can not see IP addresses usually. Because there is a DNS (domain name system) formatting on the Internet and this system converts numbers into words.
In other words, DNS matches domain names to IP addresses. It means that if a user wants to access any website on the Internet, he types words that refer to the website page. He doesn’t write IP numbers. To make it easy for users to access websites, DNS converts IP addresses into website names. Because names are easier to remember than names.
How does IP address work?
Devices send and receive data over the Internet. From the corporation’s point of view, it is vital for employees to make data transactions in a fast and secure way. In a digital world, data is sent via packets. IP addresses make it possible for devices to send and receive packets over the Internet and provide a data exchange. We can say that IP addresses pose a vital role on the Internet.
In a corporation network, Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns an IP address to users. the Internet activity of users go and back over the ISP and users can access the Internet.
What is subnetting?
Subnet means the particular pieces of the network. Due to these smaller network pieces, network traffic can flow more easily and efficiently. Because subnetting the network avoids unnecessary network visits of network traffic.
Since IP addresses refer to specific devices, data can find its way by using these addresses. For example, when a user route data to the device, the data tries to find its target between millions of connected devices. It takes a quite time for data to find an accurate place.
Here’s where the subnetting shows up. Subnetting helps data to find the right IP address in a convenient way. Subnets narrow the possibilities and make it easier to route data to the target places.
IP Address allocation
IP addresses have been allocated by IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority). IANA produces IP addresses mathematically. So, it is clear that IP addresses and numbers are not random. When an applicant applies to the registry for a domain name, they visit the domain name registrar and provide a symbolic fee to register their domain address to the registry.
On the other hand, you need to know about TCP/IP which refers to Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol and covers the communication protocols. IP addresses are allocated to these TCP/IP services. Then, IPv4 or IPv6 addresses are used to define the particular hosts.
The type of IP Addresses
Static IP address
The Static IP address is an IP address that never changed. As the name refers, static IP addresses remain the same all the time. A static IP is dedicated to one specific user. The user can be an individual or a corporation. Since static IP does not change, external devices use the same static IP address to access devices.
The device is recognized with a specific, unchanging address on the Internet. So, it is easier to locate a device or website on the Internet without compromising on security and speed.
Static IP addresses provide IP allowlisting. Thanks to IP allowlisting, managers can decide on secure IP networks and protect business resources from malicious third parties.
Dynamic IP Address
In a Dynamic IP address, a temporary address is assigned to devices. Since dynamic IP addresses are not assigned to a specific device, it is cheaper to use dynamic IP addresses than using static IP. Because different users and devices can use dynamic IP addresses that are pulled out from the IP address pool.
The difference between static and dynamic IP addresses is dynamic IP address is constantly rotated. Furthermore, when a static IP address offers uninterrupted access to the network, a dynamic IP address helps to maintain online access by using changing networks.
Especially in organizations, the static IP address vs. dynamic IP debate creates a concern for many reasons. We need to state that organizations often adopt static IP addresses to provide ideal domain hosting. On the other hand, a static IP address offers one single access point so employees, clients, and third-party contractors can access the network via specific resources.
This is another reason for corporations to choose static IP addresses. Lastly, we mentioned that managers can make allowlisting by using static IP addresses. ıt is a vital necessity for organizations to create trustable lists due to cybersecurity threats. Allowlisting simply helps organizations to robust their security level and help them to protect their company data from malicious activities.
Last Words
It is impossible to pursue Internet activity without using IP addresses. Since IP addresses are the identities of devices that have an Internet connection, data transmissions, and other data traffic activities are run by using IP addresses. Although there are several types of IP addresses, static IP and dynamic IP are the most commonly should be considered.
Both static and dynamic IP has their own benefits and advantages. However, the usage area and purpose are determinative when choosing the type of IP address. If you are an organization that wants to create secure data transmission and traffic, you can choose to adopt static IP in your organization without a doubt.
