What Is Internet Protocol (IP)?

Okay, ladies and gentlemen, it's time to enter the exciting world of IP, also known as Internet Protocol! IP controls internet traffic. Imagine IP as the internet's version of a GPS. Like GPS lets your Uber driver find you, IP helps your computer find other computers on the internet. Computers, like houses, have addresses. In the same way, you wouldn't want just anybody to come to your front door; you should ensure your computer's IP address is kept secret and safe. Let's move on to some more specialized terminology now. IP addresses are unique strings of numbers and dots that serve as your computer's virtual address. In addition, there are two distinct varieties of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 is analogous to an older version of GPS in that it has been around for quite some time and is still in use today, but it has its limitations. On the other hand, IPv6 is similar to a new and enhanced version of GPS in that it has more space and can manage a significantly higher volume of data. However, Internet Protocol (IP) isn't simply about addressing; it also involves routing. Imagine the different routes as roads on a map. IP routes link computers on the internet like highways connect cities. IP employs packets to route data. Your data is divided into packets, similar to little packages, and the Internet Protocol (IP) delivers each packet to its intended location. That's not even everything! IP also helps guarantee that your packets reach their destination in the correct order when they reach there. Since packets can get lost or delayed in transit, IP employs the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) to ensure they arrive in the appropriate sequence. And even if a packet is misplaced, the Internet Protocol will resend it. However, what about safety? However, intellectual property might help you in this regard. IPsec is a security protocol that encrypts your data and keeps it hidden from anybody who might try to access it without your permission. Firewalls, like digital bouncers, safeguard your computer from unwelcome guests and hide your IP address.