Assigning IP Addresses
High School Computer Science / Networking Notes
1. What Is an IP Address?
An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique number given to a device on a network. It works like a home address so data knows where to go.
Devices that need IP addresses include:
- Computers
- Phones
- Tablets
- Printers
- Game consoles
- Servers
Example: 192.168.1.25
2. Why Are IP Addresses Important?
IP addresses allow devices to:
- Send and receive data
- Access the internet
- Communicate with other devices on the same network
Without IP addresses, devices would not know where to send information.
3. Types of IP Addresses
IPv4
- Most common format
- Four numbers separated by dots
- Each number is between 0 and 255
Example: 192.168.0.1
IPv6
- Newer format
- Uses letters and numbers
- Created because IPv4 addresses are running out
Example: 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334
4. Static vs Dynamic IP Addresses
Static IP Address
- Manually assigned
- Does not change
- Used for servers, printers, and network devices
Pros: Reliable
Cons: More work to manage
Dynamic IP Address
- Automatically assigned
- Can change over time
- Assigned using DHCP
Pros: Easy and automatic
Cons: Address may change
5. What Is DHCP?
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a service that:
- Automatically assigns IP addresses
- Prevents duplicate IP addresses
- Saves time for network administrators
Most home and school networks use DHCP.
6. Who Assigns IP Addresses?
| Network Type |
Who Assigns the IP |
| Home network |
Router |
| School network |
Network server |
| Internet |
Internet Service Provider (ISP) |
7. Parts of an IP Address
Example: 192.168.1.25
- Network portion – Identifies the network
- Host portion – Identifies the device on that network
8. Private vs Public IP Addresses
Private IP Address
- Used inside a local network
- Not visible on the internet
- Common ranges:
Public IP Address
- Used on the internet
- Assigned by an ISP
- Identifies your network to websites
9. IP Address Conflicts
If two devices have the same IP address, an IP address conflict occurs.
- Devices may lose internet access
- Network connections may fail
DHCP helps prevent this problem.
10. Summary
- IP addresses uniquely identify devices on a network
- They can be static or dynamic
- DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses
- IPv4 is common; IPv6 is newer
- IP addresses are required for network communication