What is IP address

An IP address is the most significant and important component in the networking phenomena that binds the World Wide Web together. The IP address is a numeric address assigned to every unique instance that is connected to any computer communication network using the TCP/IP communication protocols. An IP address has two principal functions: host or network interface identification.

• Network interface identification (Network ID)-

A network ID authenticates access to IT network equipment, devices, servers, portals, content, applications and/or products, as well as user credentials, preferences and contact information.

Identity management (IdM) software automates network ID management and administration, such as username and password resets, which saves time and money. 

•  Host interface identification (Host ID)-

The host ID portion of an IP address, is the portion of the address used to identify hosts (any device requiring a Network Interface Card, such as a PC or networked printer) on the network.

• Types Of IP address 

Class A	1.0.0.1 to 126.255.255.254	Large networks with many devices
Class B	128.1.0.1 to 191.255.255.254	Medium-sized networks.
Class C	192.0.1.1 to 223.255.254.254	small networks (fewer than 256 devices)
Class D	224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255	Reserved for multicast groups.

• How IP address is assigned 

Routers are devices that allow multiple computers to "share" a single IP address. The device that's connected to the internet is the router, and it has a unique IP address. The router can then act as the DHCP server to the local network handing out local IP addresses to the computers connected to it.

• How IP codes are formed

An IP address is an identifier for a computer or device on a TCP/IP network. ... An IP address consists of 32 bits, often shown as 4 octets of numbers from 0-255 represented in decimal form instead of binary form. For example, the IP address: 168.212.226.204 in binary form is 10101000.11010100.11100010.11001100.

•  How IP address is provided 

Addresses which are provided dynamically, are done so from a server on the network called a "DHCP" (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Server. The server is configured with a database that contains all of the IP addresses available for use on the network.