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Internet Protocol Address A unique identifier for a
computer or device on a TCP/IP network.
Networks using the TCP/IP protocol route messages based on the IP
address of the destination. An IP address is written as four sets of
numbers separated by full stops. Each number can be between 0 and 255. A
typical address found in most home equipment as a default is 192.168.0.1
The Internet requires the use of a unique registered IP addresses for any
device publicly available on the internet.
Internet registers have been set up to assign these IP addresses and they
have been split up as Class A, B and C addresses with only Class C address
being available now. (Class D and E also exist but are set aside for
special use)
Because the range of IP addresses available is quickly disappearing a new
IP standard known as IPv6 is being introduced, this makes available
billions more addresses to future proof the addresses system.
If you have a home network set up you can use any IP addressing scheme
you want so long as your public facing IP address is a unique registered
address. This address is typically assigned to your cable or
ADSL broadband modem dynamically by your
ISP.
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