Neither the internet nor even local area networks (LANs) could function without IP addresses. Many times, when we encounter connectivity problems, whether it is accessing the internet, connecting to a printer, a smart TV or another device on the network, it is important to understand what Public IP and Private IP mean and to know what the address is. Public IP and/or address Private IP.
Content
IP addresses can be of two main types: public and private, each having a different role in network communication. In addition, they can be either in the format IPv4, the most used protocol, either in format IPv6, a newer version designed to address IPv4's limitations. Below, we'll explore the differences between these types of IP addresses, their uses, and how they can impact our online experience.
What are the differences between Public IP and Private IP?
IP (Internet Protocol) addresses are vital for communication between devices connected to a network, whether we are talking about the internet or local networks. They function as unique “addresses” that allow devices to be identified and exchange data with each other. Let’s see what these types of IPs mean and what is the difference between them.
What is a public IP address?
A public IP address is a unique address assigned to a device or network that connects directly to the internet. These addresses are visible on the internet and are managed by organizations such as Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) through internet service providers (ISPs). Basically, your public IP address is your online “identity,” allowing other devices or servers around the world to communicate with you.
For example, when you visit a website, your device sends requests to that website's server using your public IP address. The server "sees" this address and returns the requested information (such as the web page).
An example of a public IP address is: 8.8.8.8 (the well-known address of Google's DNS server).
Characteristics of a Public IP address:
- It is unique globally.
- It is assigned by your ISP.
- It can be static (fixed) or dynamic (changing periodically).
What is a private IP address?
A private IP address is used within a local area network (LAN) and is not directly accessible from the internet. These addresses are reserved for internal use, such as home networks, offices, or other private environments. They are defined in international standards (RFC 1918) and are divided into three main ranges:
- 10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255 (Class A)
- 172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255 (Class B)
- 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255 (Class C)
For example, your home router assigns each connected device (phone, laptop, smart TV) a private IP address, such as 192.168.0.100. These addresses are invisible from the outside, and communication with the internet is done through the router, which uses a technology called NAT (Network Address Translation) Add(Translation) to "translate" the private address into the public address.
Characteristics of a Private IP address:
- It is not globally unique (multiple networks may use the same range).
- It is free and reusable across different networks.
- It is managed by the router or a DHCP server.
Differences between public IP and private IP
| Aspect | Public IP | Private IP |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Visible on the internet | Invisible from outside the network |
| UNIQUE | Globally unique | Unique only in the local network |
| assignment | Through ISP | Via router or manually |
| Example | 8.8.8.8 | 192.168.1.10 |
| Use | Direct internet connection | Communication in the local network |
How do they work together?
When you browse the internet from home, your device (with a private IP address, say 192.168.1.10) sends a request to your router. The router, which has a public IP address (for example, 86.123.45.67), “translates” the request through NAT and sends it out onto the internet. The response from the web server reaches the router’s public IP address, which then forwards it to your private device. This process provides both security and efficiency in managing IP addresses.
Practical uses of Public IP and Private IP
Public IP:
- Hosting a website or server (e.g. game server, VPN).
- Remote access to devices (e.g. surveillance cameras).
Private IP:
- Connecting devices to a local network (e.g. printers, computers).
- Securing internal communications.
Conclusion
In short, public and private IP addresses are complementary: the public IP connects you to the internet, while the private IP organizes communication within it. your local networkUnderstanding the difference between them is essential, especially if you want to set up a network, secure your devices, or manage a server.
