Understanding the Different Types of IP Addresses

Published: 27 Sep 2025

Every device connected to the internet or a local network needs an identifier, and that’s where an IP address (Internet Protocol address) comes in. Think of it as a digital “home address” that lets data find its way to the right device.

But not all IP addresses are the same. There are several types of IP addresses, each serving different purposes whether for personal browsing, business servers, or advanced networking. In this guide, we’ll explore all major types, including Public IP, Private IP, Static IP, Dynamic IP, IPv4, IPv6, and special categories like multicast and anycast.

Table of Content

IP Address Versions and Structure

The following are the main IP address versions and their structure:

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4)

IPv4 is the oldest and most widely used version of IP addressing. Its key features include:

Format: 32-bit address, written as four numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
Usage: Still the most widely used format worldwide.
Limitation: Only about 4.3 billion addresses available, leading to shortages.

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)

IPv6 was introduced to overcome the limitations of IPv4. The main highlights of IPv6 are:

Format: 128-bit address, written in hexadecimal with colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334).
Benefits: Nearly unlimited addresses, better security, and improved efficiency.
Adoption: Growing steadily, especially in mobile networks and modern ISPs.

Subnetting and Address Classes (IPv4)

In IPv4, subnetting and address classes help organize networks more efficiently. The important details are:

Subnetting allows dividing networks into smaller sub-networks using a subnet mask.
Traditional classes:
- Class A (large networks)
- Class B (medium networks)
- Class C (small networks)
- Class D (multicast)
- Class E (reserved for research)
Today, CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) is commonly used instead of fixed classes.

Types of IP Addresses Based on Accessibility

When it comes to accessibility, IP addresses are divided into two main categories Public and Private.

Public IP Address

A Public IP is the globally unique address assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It allows your network to communicate directly with the internet.

Example: When you search “What’s my IP?” on Google, the number you see is your public IP.
Use Cases: Hosting websites, accessing devices remotely, connecting to VPNs.
Static vs Dynamic: A public IP can be either fixed (static) or changing (dynamic).

Private IP Address

A Private IP is used inside your local network (like your home Wi-Fi). Devices like phones, laptops, and printers connect to the router using private IPs.

Private IP Ranges (RFC 1918):
- 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
- 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
- 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255
Not Routable on Internet: These addresses can’t be accessed from outside your network.
How It Works: A router uses NAT (Network Address Translation) to bridge private IPs with the public IP.

Types of IP Addresses Based on Assignment

IP addresses can also be classified by how they are assigned whether fixed, temporary, shared, or dedicated.

Static IP Address

A Static IP stays the same over time and is often used for services that require consistent access.

Definition: Remains fixed and doesn’t change.
Use Cases: Servers, business websites, remote access, VPNs.
Advantages: Reliable, easier to configure for services.
Disadvantages: Easier to track, may cost extra from ISPs.

Dynamic IP Address

A Dynamic IP is automatically assigned and can change whenever you reconnect to the internet.

Definition: Assigned temporarily by DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).
Use Cases: Common for everyday internet users.
Advantages: Cheaper, more secure (harder to trace).
Disadvantages: May change unexpectedly, not ideal for hosting.

Shared vs Dedicated IP (Web Hosting Context)

Shared IP: Many websites hosted on one server share a single IP. Cost-effective but can affect reputation.
Dedicated IP: A website or business gets its own unique IP. More secure and reliable but costs more.

Types of IP Addresses Based on Routing

IP addresses can also be categorized based on how data is routed across networks, which leads to types like unicast, broadcast, multicast, anycast, and virtual IP.

Unicast

Involves one-to-one communication between a single sender and a single receiver.
Most common type of IP communication on the internet.
Example: Browsing a website or sending an email.
Ensures direct and private data transfer between two devices.

Broadcast (IPv4 only)

Involves one-to-all communication within a local network.
Works only in IPv4, as IPv6 does not support broadcast.
Example: Sending ARP requests or network discovery signals to all devices.
Useful for quickly reaching all connected devices in a LAN.

Multicast

Involves one-to-many communication, but only to selected recipients.
More efficient than broadcast because it targets a specific group.
Example: Online video streaming, IPTV, or live webinars.
Reduces bandwidth usage by delivering data only to interested devices.

Anycast

Involves one-to-nearest communication among multiple possible receivers.
Routes data to the closest or most optimal server.
Example: Used in CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) and DNS servers.
Improves speed, reliability, and load balancing for global services.

Virtual IP (VIP)

An IP address not tied to a single physical device or interface.
Commonly used in load balancing, failover, and redundancy setups.
Example: Banking websites, cloud services, or high-availability servers.
Ensures continuous uptime by redirecting traffic if one server fails.

How These IP Types Interrelate

Different types of IP addresses are not mutually exclusive; in fact, a single device can fall into multiple categories at the same time.

A device can have multiple classifications at once:
- Example: A server may use a Public Static IPv4.
- Your smartphone on Wi-Fi may have a Private Dynamic IPv4.
Hierarchy: IPv4/IPv6 → Public/Private → Static/Dynamic → Routing type (Unicast, Anycast, etc.).

Real-World Examples

To better understand how different IP address types work in practice, let’s look at a few real-world examples.

Home Network: Router gets a dynamic public IP, while devices inside get private dynamic IPs.
Business Server: Uses a static public IP for stability and easy access.
Streaming Services: Use multicast and anycast to optimize delivery.

Advantages, Disadvantages & Best Practices

Each type of IP address comes with its own strengths and limitations, so it’s important to know their advantages, disadvantages, and best practices.

Static IPs: Reliable but costlier and less private.
Dynamic IPs: Flexible and secure but may cause connection issues for remote work.
Public IPs: Necessary for global connectivity but should be protected with firewalls and VPNs.
Private IPs: Safer within local networks but require NAT for internet access.

Conclusion

Understanding the types of IP addresses from Public and Private IPs to Static, Dynamic, IPv4, IPv6, and advanced routing types is essential for anyone using the internet. Whether you’re setting up a business server, securing your home network, or simply curious about networking, knowing these categories helps you make smarter and safer choices online.

👉 Now that you know the basics, check your public IP address today and explore how it connects your devices to the world.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the types of IP addresses to help you understand the topic more clearly.

How do I find my public IP address?

You can easily check your public IP by visiting websites like whatismyip.com or by simply typing “what is my IP” into Google. These tools will instantly display your current public IP address.

Can I change my public IP?

Yes, you can change your public IP in several ways. Restarting your modem often assigns a new one, or you can contact your ISP for assistance. Another quick option is to use a VPN, which masks your IP with a different one.

Do I need a static IP for home use?

In most cases, a static IP isn’t necessary for regular home users. Dynamic IPs are sufficient for browsing, streaming, and gaming. A static IP is only useful if you’re hosting a server, need remote access, or run specific applications.

Is IPv6 replacing IPv4 completely?

Not completely. Both IPv4 and IPv6 are still in use today. However, because IPv4 addresses are running out, IPv6 adoption is steadily growing, and it’s expected to become the standard over time.

What is the difference between public and private IP addresses?

A public IP is used to identify your device on the internet, while a private IP is used within a local network (like your home Wi-Fi). Private IPs cannot be accessed directly from the internet, adding a layer of security.

Can two devices have the same IP address?

Yes, but only if they are on different networks. Within the same network, each device must have a unique private IP. If two devices accidentally share the same IP on the same network, it will cause an IP conflict.