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Introduction
A public IP address is a distinct identifier assigned to your network router by the internet service provider, allowing direct internet access. In contrast, a private IP address, allocated by your router, facilitates secure communication among devices within a private network.
In this article, we will learn about the difference between Public IP and Private IP to understand the role of these IPs in connecting the user to the internet.
What is an IP Address?
An Internet Protocol (IP) address functions as a distinct numerical identifier for each internet-connected device or network. Generally allocated by an internet service provider (ISP), this online device address is utilized to facilitate communication over the internet.
The range of IP addresses is 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255
For example
182.100.54.255, 172.86.0.1
What is a Public IP Address?
The public IP address allows you to access the Internet directly when your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns it to your device. Your device has a private IP concealed when it connects to the internet with a public IP address, providing more security. Public IPs are not free of cost; the ISP charges some money to provide you with an internet connection.
What is a Private IP address?
The router gives the private IP addresses, and devices on the same network are provided a unique IP address that helps the devices communicate. These devices can interact with each other without any active internet connection on your device. Private IPs are free of cost as there is no internet use, so we do not have to pay any charges to the internet service provider.
Difference between Public and Private IP Addresses
Public IP addresses are unique identifiers assigned to devices connected to a broader network, such as the Internet. They enable communication between devices across the internet and are globally routable. In contrast, private IP addresses are used within local networks to identify devices. They are not globally unique and are meant for communication within a specific network segment. Private IP addresses allow multiple devices within the same local network to share a common address space and are not directly accessible from the internet.
Let’s see the difference between Public IP and Private IP.
Public Internet Protocol
Private Internet Protocol,
The address scope of the Public IP is global, which is used to communicate outside the network.
The address scope of the Private IP is local, so we can only communicate within the network.
The range of public IP addresses varies.
The range of the Private internet protocol addresses is uniformly arranged.
Public IPs are controlled by the Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Private IPs can work without the internet so that the local service operator can control it.
There must be an internet connection for using the Public IP.
There is no need for the internet to use the Private IP.
Public IPs are not free of cost as ISP charges some money for internet connections.
The Private IPs are free of cost as there is no need for the internet.
The range of the Public IP is not fixed, which means all the IPs other than the Private IPs come under the Public IP.
The range of the private addresses is from 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255, 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255, 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255.
Search on the search engines like Chrome to know about your public IP address.
Enter ‘ipconfig’ on the command prompt to view your private IP address.
These addresses are less secure.
These addresses are more secure.
Public and Private IP Address Ranges
Public IP addresses are unique identifiers for devices on the internet, while private IP addresses are used within local networks. Public IPs enable global communication, managed by authorities. Private IPs like 10.x.x.x, 172.16.x.x to 172.31.x.x, and 192.168.x.x, are for internal networks, ensuring secure and controlled communication among devices. All IP addresses, with the exception of private IP addresses, are considered public IP addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 192.168 private or public?
The IP address range 192.168 is considered a private IP address. Private IP addresses are reserved for use within local networks and are not directly routable on the public internet.
Is 10.0 0.0 a public IP?
No, the IP address range 10.0.0.0 is a private IP address range. Like other private IP ranges, such as 192.168.x.x and 172.16.x.x, the 10.0.0.0 range is reserved for use within private networks.
What is IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 and IPv6 are addressing schemes used to identify devices on a network. IPv4 uses a 32-bit address, while IPv6 uses a 128-bit address, offering more unique addresses for the growing number of devices.
Can we use public IP as private IP?
Public IPs are used for communication across the internet, while private IPs are used within local networks. Using a public IP as a private IP can lead to conflicts and communication issues.
Why are public IPs paid and private IPs free?
Internet Service Provider (ISP) controls the public IP and provides the internet connection for global communication. In contrast, private IPs are governed by the local service provider and do not need an internet connection, so they are free of cost.
Conclusion
In this article, we learned about the difference between public and Private IPs. We have also discussed the identification and usage of these IP addresses. We saw that Public IP is used globally and private in local networks.
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