A protocol used to map an IP address to a physical machine address (MAC address) on a local network. When a device wants to communicate with another device on the same network, it uses ARP to convert the IP address to a MAC address.

A network addressing and routing method where data is routed to the nearest or "best" destination as determined by the routing topology. The same IP address is assigned to multiple servers, and routers direct traffic to the closest one, often used in content delivery networks (CDNs) and DNS services.

The maximum rate of data transfer across a network path. Bandwidth is typically measured in bits per second (bps) or its multiples like Mbps (megabits per second) and Gbps (gigabits per second).

A special IP address that allows data to be sent to all devices on a network simultaneously. In IPv4, a broadcast address typically ends with 255 (e.g., 192.168.1.255). IPv6 does not use broadcast addressing, having replaced it with multicast functionality.

An obsolete method of allocating IP addresses that divided the IPv4 address space into five classes (A through E). This system was replaced by Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) to more efficiently allocate IP addresses.

A method for allocating IP addresses and routing IP packets that replaced the old classful network addressing. CIDR notation uses a suffix indicating the number of bits in the network portion of the address, such as 192.168.1.0/24, where "/24" indicates that the first 24 bits are used for the network portion.

A network protocol used to automatically assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network. DHCP allows devices to request and receive an IP address from a DHCP server when they connect to a network.

A hierarchical decentralized naming system that translates human-readable domain names (like ipseekr.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other. DNS is essentially the phone book of the internet.

An IP address that is assigned temporarily to a device and may change over time. Most residential internet connections use dynamic IP addresses assigned by the ISP's DHCP servers, which can change when the connection is reset or after a certain period.

Any device that connects to a network, such as computers, smartphones, servers, or IoT devices. Each endpoint has at least one IP address when connected to a network.

A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls often use IP addresses and port numbers to determine which traffic to allow or block.

A network node that serves as an entrance to another network. In home networks, the router typically acts as the gateway, connecting the local network to the internet. The gateway's IP address is a crucial network configuration parameter.

The process of identifying the geographic location of a device using information such as its IP address. IP geolocation can typically determine a user's country, region, city, and sometimes more specific location data, although accuracy varies.

The organization responsible for coordinating some of the key elements that keep the internet running smoothly, including managing the global IP address space allocation, autonomous system number allocation, root zone management in the DNS, and other Internet Protocol-related symbols and Internet numbers.

A network protocol used by network devices to diagnose network communication issues. ICMP is primarily used for error reporting and testing, and is the foundation of the "ping" command used to test connectivity between devices.

The principal communications protocol in the Internet Protocol Suite for relaying packets across network boundaries. IP defines the format of packets and provides an addressing system that has two functions: identifying hosts and providing a logical location service.

A numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. IP addresses serve as identifiers for devices on a network and allow them to communicate with each other.

The process of hiding or obscuring your real IP address by routing your internet connection through another server. This is commonly achieved using VPNs, proxy servers, or the Tor network.

The fourth version of the Internet Protocol, which uses 32-bit addresses expressed in four octets separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1). IPv4 provides approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses, which has led to address exhaustion issues.

The sixth version of the Internet Protocol, designed to replace IPv4, which uses 128-bit addresses expressed as eight groups of hexadecimal digits separated by colons. IPv6 provides approximately 340 undecillion unique addresses, solving the address exhaustion problem.

An organization that provides services for accessing, using, or participating in the Internet. ISPs assign IP addresses to their customers' devices, either statically or dynamically.

A computer network that interconnects devices within a limited area such as a home, office building, or campus. Devices on a LAN typically have private IP addresses and share a connection to the internet through a router.

The time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination across a network. Latency is often measured in milliseconds (ms) and is influenced by factors including physical distance, network congestion, and routing paths.

A hostname that refers to the current device used to access it. The localhost is associated with the IP address 127.0.0.1 in IPv4 and ::1 in IPv6, and is used for testing and development of network services without accessing the internet.

A unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for use as a network address in communications within a network segment. Unlike IP addresses, which can change, MAC addresses are typically permanently assigned by the manufacturer.

A group communication where data transmission is addressed to a group of destination devices simultaneously. Multicast is more efficient than sending individual unicast messages or broadcasting to all devices when only some need the data.

A method of remapping one IP address space into another by modifying network address information in the IP header of packets. NAT allows multiple devices with private IP addresses to share a single public IP address for internet access.

A 32-bit mask used to divide an IP address into subnets and specify the network's available hosts. It determines which portion of an IP address refers to the network and which refers to the host. For example, 255.255.255.0 is a common netmask.

A formatted unit of data carried by a packet-switched network. Packets contain the data being transmitted as well as control information such as source and destination IP addresses, which allows routers to direct them to their intended destination.

A virtual point where network connections start and end. Ports are identified by numbers (0-65535), with certain ports assigned to specific protocols by convention. Together with an IP address, a port number completes the destination address for a communication session.

An IP address that is used within a private network and is not routable on the public internet. Private IP ranges include 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, and 192.168.0.0/16 for IPv4, and addresses starting with fd00::/8 for IPv6.

An intermediary server that sits between a client and the internet, forwarding requests on behalf of clients. When using a proxy, your requests appear to come from the proxy server's IP address rather than your own, providing a basic form of anonymity.

An IP address assigned by an ISP that is visible on the public internet. Public IP addresses are globally unique and allow devices to be directly reached from the internet. When you check "What's my IP?" services, you're seeing your public IP address.

An organization that manages the allocation and registration of Internet number resources, including IP addresses and autonomous system numbers, within a particular region of the world. The five RIRs are ARIN (North America), RIPE NCC (Europe), APNIC (Asia-Pacific), LACNIC (Latin America and Caribbean), and AfriNIC (Africa).

A networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform traffic directing functions on the Internet and make decisions about where to send each packet based on their routing tables and the destination IP addresses.

An IP address that is manually configured for a device and remains constant over time, rather than being assigned dynamically. Static IPs are commonly used for servers, network printers, and other devices that need to maintain the same address consistently.

A logical subdivision of an IP network. Subnetting allows a single large network to be divided into multiple smaller, more manageable networks. Subnets are identified by their network address and netmask or prefix length.

The fundamental communication protocol of the Internet and most private networks. TCP/IP defines how data should be packetized, addressed, transmitted, routed, and received. This suite of protocols is the foundation of the internet.

A network diagnostic tool used to track the pathway taken by a packet on an IP network from source to destination. Traceroute also records the time taken for each hop the packet makes during its route to the destination, revealing the IP addresses of all routers it passes through.

A technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the internet. When using a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a VPN server, masking your original IP address and making it appear as if you're connecting from the VPN server's location.

A telecommunications network that extends over a large geographic area. The internet itself is the largest WAN, connecting billions of devices worldwide via public IP addresses.

A protocol and database service that provides information about registered users or assignees of an IP address, domain name, or autonomous system number. Whois queries return information about who owns a particular IP address block or domain name.