IP address (IP)

An IP address is a numerical identifier used to address a network interface with the Internet Protocol.

Format
Networking & IP
Updated
Updated
Glossary Networking & IP
IP address Also known as IP.Aliases: Internet Protocol address, IPv4, IPv6, server address.

Definition

An IP address is a numerical identifier used to address a network interface with the Internet Protocol.

How it works

IPv4 addresses are 32 bits — the familiar four numbers, like 192.0.2.10 — and the world has essentially run out of them, which is why 128-bit IPv6 exists alongside. Routers use these addresses to deliver every packet crossing the internet; DNS exists so the rest of us can use names instead of memorizing the numbers.

Example: 192.0.2.10 is an IPv4 documentation address, while 2001:db8::10 is an IPv6 documentation address.

Often confused: A domain name is the memorable label; DNS maps it to one or more IP addresses behind the scenes.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-07-19.