What Is My Public IP ?
Description
It’s not an uncommon mistake to be confuse about the differences between the meaning of public and private IP.
Let’s start with the beginning, what is an IP ?
An IP is a number, more precisely in IPv4 the most used are 4 numbers divided by dots. It works like a telephone number that you can use to contact with a device.
What is the difference between public and private IPs ?
There are 3 reasons for this:
-
The IPs are not unlimited so if we use only publics is a matter of time that the system end up with all IPs.
-
Other is security, if I am working in a great corporation maybe I don’t want that no one outside knows how my computers are accessing machines outside the network.
-
Price, as IPs are not unlimited if you need one you have to pay for it.
How works the tandem between public and private IPs ?
Private IPs is no more than an extension. Private IP can identify a computer inside a local area network but not outside.
How to know if my computer is using a private IPs ?
Usually if you have a router in your home you will be using a private IP. But to be sure:
1. Press Windows Key + R, type cmd and press enter so you can use a command window.
2. Type ipconfig and press enter.
A list with the configuration of every adapter will appear.
If you see an IPv4 address of the following type your computer is using a private IP:
10.X.X.X
172.16.X.X
192.168.X.X
169.254.X.X
That Xs represent a number between 0-255.
Solution
So if you need to know what is your public IP. Use:
1. Open your favourite browser and go to:
you will see your public IP there.
There are other services like this for example:
Related posts: