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What is an IP Address?

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An IP address (short for Internet Protocol address), is an identifying number or combination of letters and numbers, for computers connected to a network.

Similar to a home or business address supplying that specific physical location with an identifiable address, devices on a network are differentiated from one another through IP addresses. Having an IP address allows a device to communicate with other devices on a network like the Internet.

There are two versions of IP: IPv4 and IPv6. If you've heard of these terms, you probably know that the former is the older, and now outdated version, while IPv6 is the upgraded IP version.