What is the difference between Private IP and Public IP?
4 min read
In the realm of networking, understanding the distinction between private and public IP addresses is fundamental. Whether you're setting up a home network or managing a corporate infrastructure, grasping this concept is crucial. Let's delve into the world of IP addresses and explore the key differences between private and public IPs.
What Are IP Addresses?
Before diving into the differences, let's briefly touch on what IP addresses are. An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network. It serves two primary purposes: identifying the host or network interface and providing a location address for routing purposes. There are two types of IP addresses: Private IP and Public IP. Let's discuss them deeply.
Private IP Addresses
Private IP addresses are designated for use within private networks, such as home networks, office intranets, or corporate LANs. These addresses are not routable over the internet, meaning they cannot be used to directly communicate with devices outside the local network. Instead, they facilitate communication between devices within the same network. Private IP addresses are assigned by Routers. They are free.
Key Characteristics of Private IP Addresses
Reserved Ranges: Private IP addresses are reserved for use within private networks and are not routable over the Internet. They are defined within certain ranges specified by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). Here are the ranges of private IP addresses:
Class A - 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255 (Total Address - 1,67,77,216)
Class B - 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255 (Total Address - 10,48,576)
Class C - 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255 (Total Address - 65,536)
Internal Use: Private IP addresses are used internally within a private network to facilitate communication between devices, such as computers, printers, and smartphones.
Not Routable: Devices with private IP addresses cannot communicate directly with devices outside the local network without using network address translation (NAT) or similar mechanisms.
Public IP Addresses
Public IP addresses are globally unique addresses assigned to devices connected to the Internet. They allow devices to communicate with each other across the Internet and are necessary for accessing websites, servers, and other internet-connected resources. Public IP addresses are assigned by IANA and ISPs. There is a cost to lease a Public IP address.
Key Characteristics of Public IP Addresses
Global Accessibility: Public IP addresses are accessible from anywhere on the Internet, enabling devices to communicate with each other across different networks and geographical locations.
Assigned by ISPs: Internet service providers (ISPs) assign public IP addresses to their customers. These addresses are registered with public registries to ensure global uniqueness.
Limited Availability: Due to the finite number of IPv4 addresses, public IP addresses are limited in availability. This scarcity has led to the adoption of IPv6, which offers a much larger address space.
Conclusion
In summary, the primary difference between private and public IP addresses lies in their usage and accessibility. Private IP addresses are used within private networks for internal communication, while public IP addresses are globally unique addresses assigned to devices connected to the internet, enabling global communication. Understanding these differences is essential for effectively managing and configuring computer networks in both residential and enterprise settings.