Networking Basics: Understanding Public and Private IP Addresses
We take a look at the differences between public and private IP addresses
2 min read
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We continue our article series focused on the basics of IP addresses as we look at public and private IP addresses. All IP addresses are classified as either public or private. Both public and private IP addresses can also be dynamic or static.
Benefits or private IP addresses are:
Benefits of public IP addresses are:
A typical network consists of devices assigned dynamic or static private IP addresses. These devices are connected to a router through wireless access points or through a direct wire to a switch. The access points and switches on a network will eventually connect to a router, which is assigned a public IP address that will represent all devices on the network.
What is a Private IP Address?
Private IP addresses are used within local networks and are not accessible over the internet. Private IP addresses are common in any environment where users connect to the internet through a router and only have to be unique within the network in which they operate. Private IP addresses access the internet through a router that uses a public IP address.Benefits or private IP addresses are:
- Efficient use of public IP addresses: Enables multiple devices on a network to share a single public IP address
- Security: Helps secure devices that should not be accessible over the internet
- Device configuration: Allows for assigning devices static IP addresses for ease of access on a local network
What is a Public IP Address?
A public IP addresses is an unique IP address that has access to the internet. Public IP addresses are typically assigned to servers, routers, and devices directly connected to the internet.Benefits of public IP addresses are:
- Internet Accessible: Makes devices optionally accessible over the internet
- Globally Unique: A public IP address is unique to every device on the internet
How Public and Private IP Addresses Work Together
Private IP Address can be repeated as long as the devices are not on the same network. For example, 192.168.1.1 is a common IP address for a router. A private IP address access the internet using a method called Network Address Translation (NAT) where private IP address is translated to a public IP address.A typical network consists of devices assigned dynamic or static private IP addresses. These devices are connected to a router through wireless access points or through a direct wire to a switch. The access points and switches on a network will eventually connect to a router, which is assigned a public IP address that will represent all devices on the network.
