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What an IP address does
The main function of an IP address is to identify a device on a network. It is, in plain terms, the digital address plate of a device.
When you send a request, for example by opening a website, the network needs to know two things: who is sending and who should receive. That is where the IP address comes in.
Key idea: an IP address is not just a technical label. It is what allows devices to be located and communication to happen.
Why an IP address is needed
Without an IP address, a device connected to a network would be like a letter with no destination. It could exist physically, but the network would not know how to deliver information to it.
Identification
It lets one device be distinguished from another on the same network.
Routing
It allows data to find the correct path to its destination.
Communication
It makes it possible for phones, PCs, routers, printers, and servers to exchange information.
Services
It helps devices access resources such as the Internet, network printers, cameras, or NAS devices.
What an IP address is used for in a local network
Inside your home or office, an IP address is used so devices on the internal network can recognize and communicate with each other. These are known as local IP addresses or private IP addresses.
Typical uses include:
- accessing the router admin panel
- sending documents to a network printer
- connecting to a NAS or local server
- viewing IP cameras on the same network
- sharing files between computers
- identifying a phone, TV, or console on the Wi-Fi network
If you want to explore this further, see: what is my local IP address.
What an IP address is used for on the Internet
On the Internet, an IP address is used to identify a connection and make data exchange possible between different networks. When you visit a website, send an email, or stream a video, your connection uses a public IP address.
Among other things, an IP address on the Internet is used to:
- send and receive data with remote servers
- make web browsing possible
- establish connections between services and devices
- manage traffic between networks
- allow remote access to certain devices or services
A public IP address usually does not identify every device in your home separately. Instead, it normally identifies your network’s connection to the Internet.
Practical examples of what an IP address is used for
Sometimes the clearest explanation is not theory but seeing an IP address quietly doing its job behind the scenes. Here are a few simple examples:
Printer
Your PC finds the printer through its local IP address and sends the document to the right device.
Router
You access the router settings by entering a local IP such as 192.168.1.1.
Website
When you visit a website, servers respond to your connection using IP addresses.
NAS or server
Your phone or computer connects to the correct device thanks to its IP address inside the network.
In all these cases, the IP address helps make sure information does not end up on the wrong device.
Local IP vs public IP: difference in purpose
Both a local IP address and a public IP address are used for identification and communication, but they work in different environments.
Local IP
It is used inside your private network to identify devices such as PCs, phones, printers, or TVs.
Public IP
It is used to identify your connection on the Internet and allow communication with external networks.
If you want to go deeper into this difference, here is the comparison: local IP vs public IP.
Quick summary: an IP address is used to identify devices and direct data to the right place. It is essential both inside your local network and across the Internet.
Frequently asked questions
What is an IP address used for exactly?
It is used to identify a device on a network and make sure data is sent to and received by the correct destination.
Is an IP address only used for the Internet?
No. It is also used inside local networks, for example to connect a computer to a printer, a router, or a NAS.
Do all connected devices have an IP address?
Yes. Almost any device connected to a network needs an IP address in order to communicate.
Do a local IP and a public IP serve the same purpose?
They are related, but not identical. A local IP works inside the private network, while a public IP works on the Internet side of the connection.
Can I use an IP address to access my router?
Yes. You can usually access your router through a local IP such as 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.