What is an IP Address?

What is an IP Address?

An Internet Protocol address (IP address) is a numerical label assigned to each device (e.g., computer, printer) participating in a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.

We are currently using version 4 i.e. IPv4. It is a 32 bit address.

Normally we represent IP in decimal format having 4 decimal numbers. Each decimal is having 8 bits.

Eg: 0.0.0.0 or 202.34.122.23 etc. here each decimal will have a range of 0-255. Cannot be more then 255. 

So for example 266.256.277.300 is impossible.

Addressing system for IP addresses:

Class                           Range                                Example

A                        0.0.0.0-128.0.0.0                127.255.255.255                

B                          up to 192.0.0.0                 191.255.255.255

C                          up to 224.0.0.0                 223.255.255.255

D                          up to 240.0.0.0                 239.255.255.255 – Multi cast Group.

E                   Above 240.255.255.255          Not currently using.

Here Green part is the NET ID and Red part is the HOST ID.

Various systems to represent IP address:

1.       Decimal System: 127.0.0.0

2.       Domain Name System (DNS): www.google.com

3.       DWord Format

4.       Octal system

5.       Hexadecimal System

6.       Cross breed format

7.       Binary Format

Static IP: one fixed IP that is provided by your ISP internet service provider

Dynamic IP: It is not fixed. It keeps on changing every time you connect and disconnect your system to internet. Anyone who doesn’t use a fixed internet service will be provided with dynamic IP address.

WAN IP: Wide area network IP.

LAN IP: Local area network IP.

Port:

Ports are 2 types. Hardware and Software ports.

Normally the ports to which we connect cables, mouse, USBs etc. come under hardware ports. Other examples are COM 1, COM 2 etc.

Software ports are those through which internet service activities connect to your system.

Some default ports:

FTP-21

SMTP-25

DNS-53

Finger-79

HTTP-80

PoP3-110

IMAP-143

Every system will have some open and some closed ports.

Hacker needs your IP address as well as the information about the ports that are open on your system.

Hacker scans your system using certain tools like port scanners to get the information about the open ports on your system.

NOTE: Never attempt to port scan using tools that u can easily find on internet as the port scanning is the sure sign of hacking activity and you will get caught easily. U needs to maintain high anonymity to perform port scanning.

Once he get your IP address and Open ports on your system under his control, he can easily controls your system and will use it for other illegal activities.