An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It serves two primary functions:
1. **Identification**: It uniquely identifies a device on a network, allowing it to be distinguished from other devices. This is crucial for routing data correctly.
2. **Location Addressing**: It provides information about the device's location on the network, which helps route data to its intended destination.
IP addresses come in two versions: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 addresses are 32-bit numbers typically expressed as four decimal numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1). IPv6 addresses are 128-bit numbers expressed as eight groups of hexadecimal digits separated by colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334), allowing for a vastly larger number of unique addresses.
In essence, an IP address enables devices to communicate with each other over a network by specifying where data should be sent and ensuring it reaches the correct destination.