What is Public IP Address?

In a computer network, a Public IP address is defined as a unique numerical value that is assigned to the particular device connected in the network that makes use of internet protocol for communication and transmission.

Public IP Address basically offers a globally recognizable address that enables user devices to actually transmit and receive the data or packets across a wide range of networks. Public IP addresses are actually routable on the Internet which means that they can be accessed and communicated through any device, from any part or from any region of the world.

Range of Public IP Address

The devices are connected to the network. In order to uniquely identify them some numerical value is assigned to every device. So to set this IP address or public IP address, there is a standard methodology through which a public IP address is been assigned.

This Public IP address assigned to every device is in the form of classes. These classes are defined by the standard Internet Assigned Numbers Authority(IANA). Below are the common ranges of public IP addresses:

1. Class A IP Address Range

• Format: N.H.H.H (1-126).(0-255).(0-255).(0-255)
• The first octet specified as (N) is the network part, and the remaining 3 octets (H) are the host parts.
• These class addresses are used for wide networks to due their vast range.
• The 1st bit in the Class A IP Address is always 0, which defines that it can have 128 unique network IDs (2^7).
• The remaining 3 octets represent up to 16,777,216 host addresses (2^24).
• Example: 41.167.11.21

2. Class B IP Address Range

• Format: N.N.H.H (128-191).(0-255).(0-255).(0-255)
• The initial 2 octets (N) represent the network part, and the remaining last 2 octets (H) represent the host part.
• Class B addresses are mainly used for medium-sized networks.
• The first 2 bits of a Class B IP address are always 10, which defines that it can have 16,384 unique network IDs (2^14).
• The last 2 octets can represent up to 65,536 host addresses (2^16).
• Example: 172.25.110.51

3. Class C IP Address Range

• Format: N.N.N.H (192-223).(0-255).(0-255).(0-255)
• In the above range, the first 3 octets represent the network part and the last octet(H) represents the host part.
• Class C addresses are mainly used for small networks.
• The 1st 3 bits of a Class C IP address are always 110, which defines that it can have 2,097,152 unique network IDs (2^21).
• The last octet can actually have up to 256 host addresses (2^8).
• Example: 200.120.50.11

What is My Public IP Address?

There are several ways to find our public IP Address. As the ISPs are assigned by Internet Service Provider, therefore the websites you visit have your public IP Address.

You can visit to Google and search "what is my IP address'. You can get your public IP Address there. Below is the image of the same.

How Does a Public IP Address Differ from an External IP Address?

A public IP address is an IP address provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP), that allows devices or networks to be accessible from anywhere on the internet. This address is unique and it lets other networks directly connect to it. Whereas, an external IP address is somehow similar to public IP Address. However, in some contexts (like cloud computing), an external IP can specifically refer to the address used to connect to a service from outside that private network.

Are Public IP Addresses Traceable?

Yes, public IP addresses are traceable up to a certain limit. When you connect to the internet, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns a public IP address to your device. This IP address is unique when you are online, which means that, in general, it can reveal certain details about you, like your approximate location (such as your country, region, or sometimes even your city) and the name of your ISP.

ISPs also keep records of which IP addresses are assigned to which users and when. in case of a legal requirement, ISP helps in identifying who was using a particular IP address at a certain time.

Features of Public IP Address

1. Internet Accessibility

The Internet is a wide range of networks, and public IP address allows us to connect our devices to the Internet. IP address helps to retrieve and communicate data from other devices that are situated at other locations. This Public IP address increases communication and provides accessibility.

2. Host Websites on the Internet

With the help of public IP addresses, we can actually host our websites or some applications that need user experience worldwide. So with these IP addresses, we can host our website. Upon entering the domain name of the website, the domain name gets converted into public IP addresses. Once the domain name is converted it retrieves the data from the server on which the website has been hosted.

3. DHCP and Static IP Assignments

Public IP addresses can actually be assigned to the network devices, dynamically or statically. DHCP, which is known as dynamic host configuration protocol used by ISP (Internet Service Provider) to dynamically assign public IP addresses to our devices. This actually improves and makes efficient use of our available addresses. However, there are some businesses or other organizations that actually accept static IP addresses, which remain unchanged over a certain time span and this provides stability for hosting services and websites for the organization.

Conclusion

In summary, a public IP address is a unique online identifier that allows devices to connect and communicate on the internet. It provides basic information like your general location and internet provider but doesn’t reveal personal information. However, internet providers can trace which device used a specific IP address in case of a legal requirement.