Difference Between Public and Private IP Address?

Every network connetcted device is given a numerical identifier, called an IP address. IP (Internet Protocol) addresses play a Very Important role in identifying and communicating between devices. An IP address is a unique numbers assigned to each device connected to a network. There are two types of IP addresses: public IP address and private IP address. These two types of IP Address serve different purposes and work in different environments. In This article explains the differences between public and private IP addresses, their characteristics, uses, and how they affect networking.

Table of Contents

What is an IP Address?

An IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique set of numbers assigned to each device connected to the internet or a local network.Private IP Address Works like a home address, and helps to find out devices locatation and communicate with each other. There are two main types: IPv4 (e.g., 192.168.1.1) and IPv6 (e.g., 2001:db8::ff00:42:8329). IP addresses can be public (used on the internet) or private (used within a local network). They help websites, computers, and smartphones connect and exchange data. Without an IP address, a device cannot access the internet or communicate with other devices.

What is a Public IP Address?

A Public IP Address is a unique IP address assigned to a device that directly connects to the internet. It allows devices, such as computers, smartphones, and servers, to worldwide communicate with other devices. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide public IP addresses to users, and they can be either static (fixed) or dynamic (changing). Websites, online services, and remote access systems use public IP addresses to stay accessible from anywhere in the World. Since public IPs are visible on the internet, they need security measures like Firewalls to prevent unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Examples of Public IP Addresses

8.8.8.8 → Google’s Public DNS
1.1.1.1 → Cloudflare’s Public DNS
203.0.113.1 → Example IP for documentation
198.51.100.42 → Reserved for testing and documentation
192.0.2.10 → Used for instructional purposes
2001:4860:4860::8888 → Google’s IPv6 Public DNS

Characteristics of Public IP Addresses

Globally unique and accessible over the internet.
public IP Assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Allows devices to communicate over the internet from any location.
Some public IPs remain fixed (static), while others change periodically (dynamic).
Websites, servers, and online applications require public IP
Direct exposure to the internet makes them vulnerable to cyber threats

Advantages of Public IP Address

A public IP allows devices to be accessed from anywhere on the internet
public IP can be hosted and accessed Servers, websites, and remote services.
public IP direct communication for VoIP calls, online gaming, and video conferencing.
public IP do not require NAT (Network Address Translation) for internet access.
public IP Enables remote desktop access, cloud services, and IoT device management.

Disadvantages of Public IP Address

Help of public IP, hackers, malware and cyber criminals can easily Track & access your device.
Internet providers may charge extra for static public IP addresses.
Websites and services can track your online activity using your public IP.
Public IPs handle more external traffic, which can slow down the network

What is a Private IP Address?

A Private IP Address is a unique address assigned to devices within a local network, such as home Wi-Fi or office networks. It allows computers, smartphones, printers, and other devices to communicate with each other without being directly exposed to the internet. Private IP addresses are not unique globally and are reused in different networks. Common private IP ranges include 192.168.x.x and 10.x.x.x. These addresses help improve security by keeping internal devices hidden from the public internet. To access the internet, a private IP address must connect through a router using a public IP address.

Characteristics of Private IP Addresses

Assigned to devices within home, office, or private networks.
Cannot be used for direct communication over the internet.
private IP ranges can be used in multiple networks
They are assigned by network administrators or routers.
Private IP addresses are protected from direct external threats.

Common Private IP Address Ranges (IPv4)

Private IP addresses are used in local networks such as client computers, printers, scanners, etc. and are not directly accessible from the Internet.These addresses are assigned to devices like computers, smartphones, and printers in homes or offices.

Class A: 10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255
Class B: 172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255
Class C: 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255

Advantages of Private IP Addresses

Private IP does not directly connect to the Internet, which reduces the risk of hacking.
Allows many devices to connect without using multiple public IP
No Service charge required to use private IP
The devices can communicate with the local network without the Internet.
Organizations can use thousands of private IPs without a public IP

Disadvantages of Private IP Addresses

Private IPs cannot be reached from the internet
Private IP Needs a router to connect to the internet
Private IP Can only communicate within the local network.
Private IP Cannot Access WWW websites or public servers
Poor setup can expose networks to threats.

Difference between Public and Private IP Address

Feature	Public IP Address	Private IP Address
Definition	An IP address used to connect devices to the internet.	An IP address used within a local network (home, office).
Access	Can be accessed from anywhere on the internet.	Works only within a private network, not on the internet.
Uniqueness	Each public IP is unique worldwide.	Can be used in multiple private networks.
Security	More exposed to cyber threats.	Safer because it is not directly connected to the internet.
Usage	Used for websites, online servers, and remote access.	Used for home networks, office devices, and internal communication.
Assigned by	Given by Internet Service Providers (ISPs).	Assigned by routers within a network.
Example	203.0.113.1, 8.8.8.8	192.168.1.1, 10.0.0.1
Internet Access	Direct internet access without additional setup.	Needs a router and NAT (Network Address Translation) for internet access.

How to Find My IP Address?

If you need to check the IP address of your system, there are several methods available. Below are different ways to find both public and private IP addresses.

How to Find Public IP Address?

First Open a system web browser.
Search for “What is my IP” on Google.
Your public IP will be displayed at the top.
Use Online Tools – Visit websites like WhatIsMyIP.com, or MyIP.com where you can find out your public IP address

How to Find Private IP Address?

Finding your private IP address is useful for troubleshooting network issues, setting up devices, or configuring security settings. A private IP address is assigned by your router and is used within your local network.

Windows: Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig.
MacOS: Open Terminal and type ifconfig.
Linux: Use the ip addr show command in Terminal.

Related Article: How To Find & Change IP Address In Windows

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between public and private IP addresses is essential for networking. Public IPs are used for Internet-facing devices and require strong security measures, while private IPs are used to provide security and efficient communications within a local network. By using NAT, both types of IP addresses work together to facilitate Internet access while preserving the limited supply of public IP addresses.

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