An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifier assigned to each device connected to the internet. It allows communication between devices over networks. IP addresses are categorized into two types: IPv4 and IPv6.
IPv4 uses a 32-bit address format (e.g., 192.168.1.1), whereas IPv6 uses a 128-bit address (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334). Due to the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses, IPv6 was introduced to accommodate the growing number of internet devices.
Knowing your IP address helps you diagnose network issues, improve security, and understand your digital footprint. It also allows websites and services to determine your location for personalization or security purposes.