Why Do IP Addresses Matter? Discovering Your “Real” (Public) IP Address
In today’s world, IP addresses are everywhere. But do you know about their different types? In this article, we will dive into the overwhelming world of IP addresses and try to make it easier to understand their differences. If you are a tech enthusiast, chances are you have played around with commands like ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Linux). If not, no worries—give them a try, and you will uncover some interesting details about your network settings.
Here is a sneak peek at my ipconfig command results.
Oh no, did I just reveal my IP address? Is someone going to hack me?!
Fortunately, there is nothing to worry about. The screenshot you see does not expose my router’s public IP address. In fact, the private IP addresses shown there are dynamic and assigned by a protocol called DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). This nifty protocol assigns private IP addresses to devices whenever they connect to the internet. You can actually change your device’s private IP address yourself using commands like ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew.
Link-local IPv6 and IPv4 addresses represent the private IP addresses of a device. IPv6 and IPv4 are two versions of IP addresses. If you do not see an IPv6 address in your terminal, it may be because your device’s network adapter does not support IPv6. These IP addresses are used for local communication between devices and your router. As mentioned before, these IP addresses are dynamic, and each time you connect to a different network, you may get different IP addresses depending on the network’s configuration.
The next IP address type that we will discuss is the Default Gateway — this is where things get interesting. The Default Gateway IP address is not unique; it is used for local communication between your device and your router. Router manufacturers often set these addresses for local networks. For example, some common default gateway IPs include:
- 192.168.0.1
- 192.168.1.1
- 192.168.1.254
- 192.168.100.1
You might find your default gateway in the list above. These addresses are local IP addresses for home routers, and devices send all requests to this default gateway address. These addresses are not unique and can vary by router brand. By knowing your Default Gateway, you can access your router’s admin panel and configure your network. These admin panels can provide different user interfaces, but commonly, they allow users to filter DNS services, control individual devices’ internet access, and much more, including both high-level and low-level configurations. Configuration settings may be restricted by your internet service provider (ISP), and in this case, even though related fields are present on the panel, you may not be able to configure them as you wish.
There is no need to worry if someone learns this IP address; it does not mean they can hack your network or send you malicious files. These IP addresses are used for communication within your local network and are not accessible from the wider internet.
Feeling overwhelmed by all these IP terms? Do not worry, you are not alone. IPv4, IPv6, Default Gateway — it can all seem like a big mess. But let me introduce you to another key player: your Public IP Address. This is the one we cannot see from the attached photo, and I am not going to share this address.
But why? What is the Big Deal About Public IP Addresses?
Your Public IP Address is the unique identifier assigned to your router by your ISP (Internet Service Provider). These addresses can be either dynamic or static, and you do not have control over this. Your internet service provider may change them over time for security reasons, or they may not. Unlike your local IP address (which can be the same as your neighbor’s, for instance), your Public IP is unique to your internet connection and is how the wider internet identifies your network.
Why does this matter? Well, your Public IP is like your digital home address. It’s how websites, streaming services, and other online platforms know where to send the data you request. This address is essential for online activities like browsing the web, sending emails, and streaming videos. Your router then identifies your device and delivers the data accordingly by using other IP or MAC addresses.
However, because it is unique and tied to your location, it is also sensitive information. If someone with bad intentions gets hold of your Public IP, they could potentially:
Learn Your General Location: While it is not as precise as GPS, your Public IP can reveal the city or region where you are located.
Target Your Network: Hackers can attempt to breach your home network using your Public IP, though they would still have to overcome your router’s security measures. Using a strong, unique password for your router significantly decreases the level of vulnerability, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access.
However, strong security measures, such as firewalls and proper router configuration, can significantly reduce these risks.
You may want to host a website or some other services without buying a domain name using your Public IP address, but this is not recommended. This would increase the security risks of your home network and personal data.
Curious about your Public IP? You can find it by running this command: nslookup myip.opendns.com resolver1.opendns.com. But remember, this is one piece of information you'll want to keep private. Unlike your local IP, this is the one that's visible to the wider internet, so be cautious about sharing it.
It is always great to research information technology, but while exploring this curiosity, we need to prioritize privacy and always consider privacy concerns before experimenting with our devices.
For further exploration of the topics discussed, please refer to the following links:
What is an IP Address — Definition and Explanation
Networking Commands For Troubleshooting Windows
