Let's dive into a system of unique identifiers called IP addresses and their close relatives that play vital roles in communication. Let's unpack the basics and navigate this digital address system!
Your Digital Home: The Public IP Address
Imagine your house on a street. Your Public IP address acts like your home's unique address on the vast internet. It's how websites and other devices find and connect to your network. Think of it as the label delivery trucks use to locate your house and drop off packages (data).
The Public IP Address of a system is the IP address that is used to communicate outside the network. A public IP address is basically assigned by the ISP (Internet Service Provider)(referred to a company that provides internet access to people).
Public IP Address is basically of two types:
Dynamic IP Address: Dynamic IP Addresses are addresses that change over time. After establishing a connection of a smartphone or computer with the Internet, ISP provides an IP Address to the device, these random addresses are called Dynamic IP Address.
Static IP Address: Static Addresses are those addresses that do not change with time. These are stated as permanent internet addresses. Mostly these are used by the DNS (Domain Name System) Servers (explained below).
The Roommates Within: Private IP Addresses
Now, picture your house with multiple rooms. Each device on your network (computer, phone, etc.) has its own private IP address, like an apartment number within your house
This allows your router, the central traffic controller, to specifically direct information to the correct device. It's like having designated areas (private IP addresses) for your belongings (data) inside your house (network), invisible from the outside world.
The Private IP Address of a system is the IP address that is used to communicate within the same network. Using private IP data or information can be sent or received within the same network.
The Mailman in the Middle: The Router
Your router plays a crucial role in all this communication. It receives data packets with public IP addresses, figures out which device on your network they're meant for using private IP addresses, and delivers them accordingly.
Think of it as a smart mailman who reads the address (public IP) on a package, uses its internal directory (private IP addresses), and sorts the mail to the right apartment (device) within your house (network).
The Neighborhood Watch: Network Address Translation (NAT)
For security reasons, most home networks use Network Address Translation (NAT). Imagine your house (your network) with multiple devices (family members) who want to order takeout online (access the internet). NAT acts like a middleman between your devices and the vast internet. Here's what it does:
Single Public IP Address: Your internet service provider (ISP) typically assigns your network a single public IP address. Think of this as your house address on the internet street.
Multiple Private IP Addresses: Each device on your network (computer, phone, etc.) has its own private IP address, like a unique room number within your house. These addresses are not visible from the outside internet.
Translation Magic: When a device on your network wants to access the internet (order takeout), NAT translates the device's private IP address into the public IP address assigned to your house (network). It's like your family member giving their room number (private IP) to you (NAT), and you (NAT) placing the order using the house address (public IP) with the restaurant (website).
Finding Your Way Around: Domain Name System (DNS)
While IP addresses are essential, remembering a string of numbers can be tricky. That's where the Domain Name System (DNS) comes in. Think of it as the internet's phonebook. You type a website address (like "google.com") which is like a user-friendly name, and DNS translates it into the corresponding IP address, allowing your computer to connect to the website.
Ready to Explore More?
As you dive deeper into networking, you'll discover more interesting topics. So, stay tuned for more adventures in understanding the complex world of internet communication!