What is an IP Address

Internet Service Providers (also called “ISPs”) such as Spectrum, Metronet, AT&T and others use unique identifiers, called IP addresses, to distinguish your home or office from other users on their service.

IPv4 and IPv6

The most common IP address type used by businesses and homes is called IPv4 (IP version 4) however some ISPs may now be using the newer IPv6 version.  While structurally different, both IPv4 and IPv6 are used to uniquely identify the location of that Internet service such as your home, your work, or a restaurant that is providing free WiFi.

Example IPv4:          208.38.224.10

Example Ipv6:           2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

Static vs Dynamic

Static IP:  An IP address that does not change once assigned to your location.  Typically used by businesses.

Dynamic IP:  A temporarily assigned IP that periodically change behind the scenes.   Most homes and some businesses are assigned dynamic IPs.