Difference Between Private and Public IP Address?

An IP address or Internet Protocol helps in identify each networked computer and device on a particular network.


The communication between two Internet-enabled devices is carried out by exchanging information using each other’s IP address.

There are two types of IP addresses that you will often come across. It includes a private IP address and a public IP address. Let us have a look at information that will help you know what the difference between private and public IP address is.

Difference Between Private and Public IP Address?

Public IP Address


The Internet Service Provider (ISP) through the router that is connected provides a public IP address to your PC or Internet-enabled device using a modem.

Private IP Address


A private IP address simply means an IP address that is assigned to a particular device by the user or the network. It helps one use their private network at home or office.

Difference Between Public IP Address and Private IP Address


A public IP address is an IP address can be accessed through the Internet. It is just like a pin code of an area. It is exclusive to a particular area of a particular region of a particular city. The computing device assigns the unique IP addresses that can be easily found on various websites providing information on IP address.

A private IP address is like a fingerprint. It is unique to each computer or device connected to the Internet. If there are multiple devices in your home or office network connected to the Internet, each will have a unique private IP address. You can find your unique IP address from the router using the DHCP protocol.

The public IP address helps a user access the Internet directly. It means a web server; email server or any other server device can access the Internet using the public IP address. The public IP address is globally unique and can only be assigned to a unique device.

The private IP address helps one create their own private networks. This means smartphones, tablets, computers and laptops in your home are all given a private IP address so that only you and your family can use the private network.

A public IP address is connected to the Internet network and a private IP address is connected via LAN. All public IP addresses are registered with the Network Information Centre, whereas, private IP addresses are not required to be registered. You will need a modem to connect to a network using public IP address and a private IP requires a router to be connected to a network.

These are some of the differences between private and public IP addresses. A public IP address helps you connect to the global Internet network, whereas, a private IP helps only your trusted devices connect to your private Internet network.

References:


1. http://support.slingbox.com/KB/KB-2000143
2. https://www.iplocation.net/public-vs-private-ip-address
3. https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc958825.aspx
4. http://theydiffer.com/difference-between-public-and-private-ip-address/
5. http://www.gohacking.com/private-and-public-ip-addresses/
6. http://www.siliconindia.com/online-courses/tutorials/What-are-Private-and-Public-IP-Addresses-id-109.html
7. https://networking.grok.lsu.edu/Article.aspx?articleid=13084
8. http://www.howtogeek.com/117371/how-to-find-your-computers-private-public-ip-addresses/