IP GUIDE
What is an IP Address?
An IP address is a number, much like a telephone number. It is used to route data through the internet, by identifying
the ISP of a computer, where routers at the ISP will be able to complete the connection to the computer's location.
All computers (and many devices) on the internet have an IP, although many share the same IP address.
Why does everyone in my office have the same IP Address?
Most companies use a firewall and router combination; the firewall itself is the owner of the IP address, and then
acts as a traffic cop to send data to the correct computer in your office. It's much like a company that advertises a
single phone number, and callers are routed to the correct person by forwarding to an extension.
Do I always have the same IP address?
Most personal accounts randomly assign IP address numbers when you are connected. This is called a dynamic IP.
If you are in a business, you probably will always have the same address, called a Static IP. Web servers
must have a static IP because domain names, which are used to find web sites, must map to a specific IP address.
|
