An IP address is an identification number assigned to a computer connected to an Internet network.
In concrete terms, this number is used to identify machines and to allow them to communicate with each other by exchanging data on the Internet.
Each computer is assigned a fixed IP address (if it is always on) or a dynamic IP address (if the computer is frequently restarted). This registration is carried out by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), which manages IP addresses worldwide. Currently, the most used standard is the IPv4 protocol, composed of a series of 4 numbers, but due to the increase in the number of connected computers, this protocol will be gradually replaced by IPv6, which offers more possibilities.
IP addresses can be used to block or authorize access of a computer to certain resources, or to better know the profile of users (for example, geolocation based on IP is used by Google). The implementation is done in a totally automatic way, without the user having to make any particular parameterization on his machine.
Know your IP address from your computer
By default, operating systems have several internal tools to find out the computer’s IP address. Under Windows, you have to open the command prompt and type the ipconfig command. It is also possible to go through the Networking and Sharing Center, and view the details of the Local Area Connection.
In Mac OS, you need to open the Network panel in System Preferences and display the active connection. The IP address is a series of numbers separated by dots, for example 192.168.1.30.
Use an online tool to find out your IP address
There are many websites that specialize in displaying IP addresses. Among them, we recommend https://www.whatismyip/, https://whatismyipaddress.com/ .
These tools allow not only to detect the IP address, but also to know which is your Internet access provider, and what is your approximate location. This public information can then be used by Internet services to present you with personalized information (e.g., results related to your geographic location and nationality). There are ways to protect your privacy on the Internet if you do not want to disclose this type of information.