An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to every device connected to the internet. It serves two main purposes: identifying the host or network interface, and providing the location of the device in the network. Every time you visit a website, send an email, or stream a video, your IP address is used to route data between your device and the server.
IPv4 vs IPv6
IPv4 addresses consist of four numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1), providing roughly 4.3 billion unique addresses. Due to the rapid growth of internet-connected devices, IPv6 was developed, using a longer hexadecimal format (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334) that supports virtually unlimited addresses.
What Your IP Address Reveals
Your IP address can reveal your approximate geographic location (typically city-level), your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and whether you are using a VPN or proxy. Websites and online services use this information for content localization, security measures, and compliance with regional regulations.
How to Protect Your IP Address
If you are concerned about privacy, there are several ways to mask your IP address:
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts your traffic and routes it through a server in another location, hiding your real IP address from websites.
- Proxy Server: Acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet, changing your visible IP address.
- Tor Browser: Routes your traffic through multiple volunteer-operated servers worldwide, making it difficult to trace back to you.