Your IP address is the foundation of your online identity, connecting you to the world while keeping your digital presence visible and functional.
This guide will give you everything you need to know about an IP address because by understanding, monitoring, and protecting it, you strengthen your online security and take control of your connectivity, and that matters to us.
- What Is an IP Address and Why Does It Matter?
- The Different Types of IP Addresses
- IP Address Allocation – How It All Comes Together
- Allocation to Different IP Addresses
- How to Find Your IP Address
- What Does Whitelisting and Blacklisting an IP Mean?
- Common IP Security Threats and How to Stay Protected
- How to Protect Your IP Address Online
- FAQs
- Additional Resources
What Is an IP Address and Why Does It Matter?
Every device that connects to the internet, like your phone, laptop, or even your Wi-Fi router, has a unique “address.” That’s your IP address, also known as an Internet Protocol Address. It helps devices find and communicate with each other across the internet, just like a street address tells someone where you live.
An IP address is represented in the form of a dotted-quad number such as 128.175.13.92. This is a unique address where no other computer or server on the same network or the internet can have the same IP address at the same time.
When we use domain names to access a website or online service, we use a human-readable shortcut corresponding to the server’s IP address. DNS servers automatically translate domain names into IP addresses each time we use a domain name.
This also plays an important part in supporting website hosting, email delivery, and your online security.
The Different Types of IP Addresses
IPv4 vs. IPv6
- IPv4: Older, uses 32-bit numbers (e.g., 192.168.0.1)
- IPv6: Newer, 128-bit system (e.g., 2606:4700:4700::1111)
TIP: IPv6 was created because IPv4 addresses started running out. It allows millions of new devices to connect to the internet securely.
Static vs. Dynamic IPs
- Static IP: Never changes. Common for servers and hosting.
- Dynamic IP: Changes periodically, often assigned automatically by your ISP.
TIP: Most home users have dynamic IPs, while businesses hosting websites often use static IPs for stability.
Public vs. Private IPs
- Public IP: Assigned by your ISP, used to connect to the wider internet.
- Private IP: Used within your local network (e.g., your home Wi-Fi).
TIP: Public IPs are visible online, while private IPs help secure internal connections.
Shared vs. Dedicated IPs
- Dedicated IP: Assigned exclusively to one hosting account or website; offers more control, flexibility, and reliability, especially for websites with specific security or performance needs.
TIP: If several small business websites are hosted on one server, they may all share the same IP address but still function independently, while larger businesses or e-commerce sites often use a dedicated IP to ensure smoother traffic handling, enhanced trust, and better email performance.
IP Address Allocation – How It All Comes Together
Every device connected to the internet needs a unique identifier so information knows exactly where to go; that’s where IP Address Allocation comes in. Think of it as assigning every home in the world its own digital street address.
To keep this system organised globally, Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) manage and distribute IP addresses. These organisations ensure that every region receives a fair and structured allocation of available IPs.
Here’s how the world is divided:
- AFRINIC (African Network Information Centre): Oversees IP allocation across Africa.
- ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers): Manages the US, Canada, Antarctica, and parts of the Caribbean.
- APNIC (Asia Pacific Network Information Centre): Covers East Asia, Oceania, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
- LACNIC (Latin America and Caribbean Network Information Centre): Handles Latin America and most of the Caribbean.
- RIPE NCC (Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre): Manages Europe, Central Asia, Russia, and West Asia.
At 1-grid, we rely on these structured systems to keep your online services, from hosting to email, connected and performing smoothly. Understanding how IPs are allocated helps you see how the internet stays reliable, stable, and secure.
Allocation to Different IP Addresses
Each IP address serves a unique purpose depending on how and where it’s used:
Private IP Addresses
These are assigned by your router to devices within your local network, like your phone, printer, or laptop. They let devices communicate with each other securely without connecting directly to the internet.
Public IP Addresses
These are assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and identify your network online. Your public IP is how the rest of the internet recognises and communicates with your devices; it’s your online address to the world.
Dynamic IP Addresses
These are temporary IPs assigned by your router or ISP. They change over time, which helps ISPs manage their address pools efficiently. Dynamic IPs are great for everyday browsing, streaming, or gaming.
Static IP Addresses
These remain the same and are manually assigned to a device or service. They’re essential for websites, servers, or email systems that require a consistent and reliable connection.
TIP: If you’re hosting a website, managing business emails, or running a remote access service, consider using a static IP. It provides consistency, reliability, and easier troubleshooting, which are all key to maintaining smooth online operations.
How to Find Your IP Address
There are a variety of ways to locate your IP address, either by finding this through your device or by using free online lookup tools.
We’ve made it easy to answer a question you may be asking of “What Is My Public IP Address” with our easy-to-understand guide, and have also provided some additional quick resources below:
Devices Lookup
Windows 10/11:
Find your IP address in Windows
iPhone:
Find your iPhone’s IP address
Android:
Find your Android’s IP address
Command Prompt / Terminal:
- Windows: ipconfig
- Mac / Linux: ifconfig or dig
TIP: If you’re troubleshooting hosting or email issues, you can also “ping” your domain name to identify its associated IP address.
Online Lookup Tools
What Does Whitelisting and Blacklisting an IP Mean?
Allows trusted IP addresses to access specific systems or servers (for example, granting office IP access to your hosting control panel).
Blocks suspicious or malicious IPs to protect email and hosting services from spam or attacks.
Common IP Security Threats and How to Stay Protected
At 1-grid, we believe that understanding online threats is the first step toward building digital confidence. Your IP address plays a crucial role in connecting you to the internet, but like any connected resource, it can also be targeted by cyber threats.
Understanding these threats empowers you to act with confidence, not fear. At 1-grid, our goal is to help you protect your online presence proactively through education, secure hosting, and tools that keep your data safe.
1. DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) Attacks
Attackers can overwhelm a website, service, or network by flooding its IP address with excessive traffic. This overload can temporarily slow down or disrupt access.
2. IP Spoofing
In this attack, a malicious party disguises their digital identity by changing the data packet headers to make them appear as though they’re coming from a trusted source. This can trick a system into granting unauthorised access.
TIP: Keep your systems updated and enable security tools such as firewalls or intrusion detection systems (IDS) to filter out suspicious packets and protect your data flow.
3. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks
A cybercriminal intercepts communication between two parties, for example, between your computer and a website, without your knowledge. They can then eavesdrop or modify data in real time.
TIP: Always use HTTPS websites and secure Wi-Fi networks. Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing sensitive information and consider a trusted VPN for extra protection.
4. IP Scanning and Sniffing
Hackers often use scanning tools to find open ports or weak spots across ranges of IP addresses. Once a vulnerable system is found, it can be exploited for unauthorised access.
TIP: Regularly review your firewall rules and disable unused ports or services. We recommend running periodic security scans to identify and close potential vulnerabilities early.
5. Brute Force Attacks
Attackers use automated programs to guess passwords across a range of IPs, hoping to gain entry to systems or networks through weak credentials.
TIP: Create strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds a second layer of protection, keeping your account secure even if passwords are compromised.
6. Phishing and Pharming
Phishing tricks users into entering personal data on fake websites that appear legitimate. Pharming goes a step further by redirecting users from real websites to fraudulent ones through IP manipulation.
TIP: Always double-check the website address before entering login details or payment information. If an email link feels suspicious, go directly to the official website instead of clicking through.
7. Zero-Day Vulnerabilities
These are newly discovered flaws in software or hardware that hackers exploit before the vendor releases a fix. Attackers may target known IPs using vulnerable systems.
TIP: Enable automatic updates for your operating system, browsers, and applications. This ensures you’re always protected with the latest patches and security improvements.
How to Protect Your IP Address Online
Online security starts with awareness. Simple changes like using a VPN or updating your router firmware can go a long way toward protecting your digital identity.
- Use a VPN to mask your real IP address.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi or use encrypted connections.
- Update your firewall and router software regularly.
- Use strong, unique passwords for devices and accounts.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) where possible.
FAQs
What does an IP address do?
It helps your device send and receive information over the internet by identifying it on the network.
Why does my IP address change?
Dynamic IPs change automatically when your device reconnects or your ISP refreshes your connection.
How can I protect my IP address from hackers?
Use a VPN, strong passwords, and avoid sharing your IP publicly.
What’s the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 uses 32-bit numbers (fewer combinations), while IPv6 uses 128-bit numbers (many more addresses available).
Why was my IP blacklisted?
Your IP may have been used for spam or suspicious activity. Contact 1-grid Support to review or request removal.
What happens if two devices have the same IP?
It can cause connection conflicts where one device’s data may not reach the intended destination.
Additional Resources
Email FAQs
Domains FAQs
Choosing a Great Domain Name and Why It Matters for Your Brand Online
Everything You Need to Know About Domains at 1-grid
Getting Started with Website Builder at 1-grid
What is Professional Email from 1-grid?
Why SSL? The Purpose of Using SSL Certificates
Everything You Need to Know About DNS for Your Domain
How to Update Your Domain’s Nameservers at 1-grid
Need Additional Support?
We’re Here to Help:
Understanding an IP address and how this works doesn’t have to feel technical with this easy-to-reference guide. Stuck? Contact our Support Team for clarity and guidance (https://1grid.co.za/contact-us/). We’re ready to see how we can help!