An IP address is a special identity through which communication between devices is enabled in a network. Every time you browse the internet, it makes use of an IP address in the background for sending as well as receiving data. There are two major categories of IP addresses: Private IP Addresses and Public IP Addresses.
What Is a Private IP Address?
A Private IP address is used within a local environment, including a Wi-Fi router or an office router. These IP addresses are centralized by a router, which connects other devices such as mobile phones, laptops, printers, and smart TVs. Private IP addresses cannot be accessed directly via the internet, giving users additional security.
Example of Public IP Address
If your computer, or your laptop, for that matter, is connected to your home Wi-Fi internet, it might have a private IP address, for instance, 192.168.1.5. A computer in your own house might be 192.168.1.6.
What Is a Public IP Address?
A Public IP address is given by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Every Public IP address is unique across the internet and allows your network to connect with websites, servers, and online services across the internet. Your Public IP address is recognized by the internet.
Example of Public IP Address
When you access a site such as Google, a public IP such as 203.0.113.25 is used to transmit and receive traffic from the internet.
Major Differences Between Private and Public IP
Private IP addresses are used for communication within a network, while public IP addresses provide connectivity on the internet. Private IPs can be reused in other networks, while public IPs should be globally unique.
Conclusion
Talking plainly, the Job of the Private IP Addresses is to deal with communications between devices on a local network, while the Job of the IP Addresses is to connect a network to the internet.