Cybersecurity Foundations · 5 min
IP Addresses
How networks know where to send data
This lesson explains the concept, then checks your understanding in a short interactive exercise.
What an IP address is
An IP address identifies a network interface for communication using the Internet Protocol. In plain terms: it helps networks work out where data should be sent.
- It labels an interface on a network
- It can change over time
- It does not permanently identify a person
Private and public addresses
Addresses such as 192.168.1.25 are private: they're commonly used inside local networks like your home or office. Public addresses are reachable across the internet. Many devices on a private network can share one public address on the way out.
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