Description: A global IP address is an address that can be accessed from any location on the Internet. This means that, unlike private IP addresses, which are used within local networks and are not routable over the Internet, global IP addresses are unique and allow for the identification of devices on the vast global network. These addresses are assigned by organizations such as the IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) and are essential for online communication, as each device connected to the Internet needs an IP address to send and receive data. Global IP addresses can be of two types: IPv4, which consists of four groups of numbers separated by dots, and IPv6, which uses a more extensive format to accommodate the growing demand for addresses. The relevance of global IP addresses lies in their fundamental role in the architecture of the Internet, facilitating connectivity and communication between devices across diverse networks and geographical locations.
History: The history of IP addresses dates back to the creation of ARPANET in the 1960s, where simple addresses were used to identify devices. With the growth of the network, the Internet Protocol (IP) was developed in the 1970s, and in 1981 the IPv4 standard was defined. As the Internet expanded, it became clear that the IPv4 address space was limited, leading to the development of IPv6 in 1998, which offers a virtually unlimited number of addresses.
Uses: Global IP addresses are used to identify and locate devices on the Internet, enabling communication between them. They are essential for the functioning of web services, emails, and cloud applications. Additionally, they are used in network configuration, data traffic management, and the implementation of online security measures.
Examples: An example of the use of global IP addresses is accessing a website, where the website’s server has a global IP address that allows users from around the world to access its content. Another example is the use of video conferencing services, where each participant connects through their global IP address to interact in real-time.
