The IP address (Internet Protocol address) is the number that devices

use in order to identify and communicate with each other on a computer

network utilizing the Internet Protocol standard (IP).
An IP address is somewhat similar to the Telephone number.
Every server, client and devices have this unique address for their
identification.
IP addresses are written in "dotted decimal" notation, which is four sets of
numbers separated by periods; for example, 10.1.1.1 .
An IP address is first divided between networks and hosts. The host
bits are further divided between subnets and hosts.
Static IP addresses are used to identify semi-permanent devices with constant
IP addresses.

Servers typically use static IP addresses.

Routers, firewalls and proxy servers use static addresses as do most servers
and printers that serve multiple users.

These IPs are normally used in LAN and WAN.

The IP address assigned to your service by your cable or DSL Internet provider
is typically dynamic IP.

In routers and operating systems, the default configuration for clients is dynamic
IP (Client machines may use Static or Dynamic IP address).

Dynamic IP address allocation requires a server to listen for requests and then
assign an address. Addresses can be assigned at randomly or based on a
predetermined policy.

The most common protocol used to dynamically assign addresses is Dynamic

Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
DHCP includes a lease time which determines how long the requester can
use an address before requesting its renewal, allowing addresses to be
reclaimed if the requester goes offline.
When you type a name, such as www.pcmag.com, into your browser's
address bar, your computer sends a DNS lookup request to your local DNS
server (typically hosted by your ISP).

During its normal course of operation, the local server caches entries in
resource records. So if there's a current cached entry for www.pcmag.com, the
local DNS server returns the corresponding IP address (63.87.252.186) to your
computer, and your browser connects to that address.

If there's no current entry, the DNS server contacts a root server for the top-
level domain (such as .com, .org, or .net). The root server contains a database
with entries for the authoritative server for all domains.

In the example, the root server would report back to your ISP that the
authoritative DNS server for www.pcmag.com is 198.6.1.18
(auth40.ns.uu.net).
The ISP's DNS would then contact that authoritative server, which
would return our Web site's current address.

The ISP passes the address to your computer, which in turn plugs it into
your browser. Though a lot is happening, it all happens in the
background, and usually in just a fraction of a second.
 For some applications, a changing IP address just won’t do.
DDNS solves the problem.

ArticleBy:
Presentation By:

Director of Operations at
PC magazine Labs.