Public vs Private IP Address

Summary

In this video, we explore the differences between public and private IP addresses, focusing on IPv4. A public IP address is unique, assigned by ISPs, and allows internet access, while private IPs are used internally within homes or businesses, assigned by routers, and cannot access the internet directly. Public IPs require security measures like VPNs for privacy, whereas private IPs are inherently more secure. The video also covers the role of NAT in translating private IPs to public ones, and how to identify your IP address using command prompts or web tools.

Takeaways

• 🌐 An IP address is a numeric identifier for a computer or device on a network, essential for communication purposes.
• 🔍 There are two types of IP addresses: public and private, differentiated by their registration and use on the internet.
• 🏢 Public IP addresses are assigned by ISPs to modems or routers, providing access to the internet and are unique globally.
• 🏠 Private IP addresses are used internally within a home or business network and are not registered on the public internet.
• 🌐 Due to the explosive growth of the internet, private IP addresses were developed to prevent a shortage of public IPv4 addresses.
• 🔄 Private IP addresses must be converted to public IP addresses via NAT (Network Address Translation) to access the internet.
• 🛡️ NAT also translates public to private IP addresses, allowing internet communication with devices on a private network.
• 📚 Private IP addresses are categorized into three classes (A, B, and C) with different ranges, serving different sizes of organizations.
• 🏷️ Class C private IP addresses, starting with 192, are the most popular and commonly used in homes and small businesses.
• 🔎 To find your device's IP address, use 'ipconfig' on Windows or 'ifconfig' on Mac and Linux; public IP can be found on websites like 'whatsmyipaddress.com'.
• 🔒 Public IPs are less secure as they are traceable on the internet, while private IPs are more secure as they are hidden from the internet.

Q & A

What is an IP address and why is it necessary for devices on a network?

An IP address is a numeric identifier for a computer or device on a network. It is necessary for communication purposes, allowing devices to interact with each other and access the internet.

What are the two main types of IP addresses discussed in the video?

The two main types of IP addresses discussed are public and private IP addresses.

How does a public IP address differ from a private IP address?

A public IP address is registered on the internet and is unique worldwide, allowing access to the internet. A private IP address, on the other hand, is not registered on the internet and cannot be used to directly access the internet; it is used internally within a home or business network.

Why were private IP addresses created?

Private IP addresses were created to prevent a shortage of public IPv4 addresses due to the explosive growth of the internet. They allow multiple devices within a local network to share a single public IP address for internet access.

What is the role of DHCP in assigning IP addresses within a local network?

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a service within a router that assigns private IP addresses to internal devices, facilitating their communication within the local network.

How does NAT (Network Address Translation) work in the context of IP addresses?

NAT is a service built into routers that translates private IP addresses to a public IP address when devices need to access the internet. It also translates public IP addresses to private IP addresses for incoming communication from the internet.

What are the three classes of private IP addresses and what do they represent?

The three classes of private IP addresses are Class A (starting with 10), Class B (starting with 172), and Class C (starting with 192). Class A is typically used for large organizations, Class B for medium-sized organizations, and Class C for small organizations or homes.

How can one find their device's IP address on a Windows computer?

On a Windows computer, you can find your device's IP address by opening a command prompt and typing 'ipconfig'.

How can one find their public IP address?

To find your public IP address, you can open a web browser and visit a website like 'whatsmyipaddress.com', which will display your public IP address.

What is the difference in security between public and private IP addresses?

Public IP addresses are less secure because they are exposed on the internet and traceable. Private IP addresses are more secure as they are hidden from the internet and used internally within a local network.

Why might someone use a VPN when accessing the internet with a public IP address?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is used to enhance security and privacy when accessing the internet with a public IP address by hiding the user's public IP address and encrypting their online activities.