Understanding IP Addresses and How to Find Them on Your Mac

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifier given to every device connected to a local network or internet. IP addresses are essential for devices to communicate and be recognized within networks.

Types of IP Addresses: IPv4 and IPv6

There are 2 main types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6.

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is the older form of IP addresses. It uses a 32-bit format and supports about 4.3 billion unique addresses, so it is limited. Although still widely used, global demand has led to IPv4 exhaustion.

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the newer form of IP addresses. It uses a 128-bit format and actually offers an almost limitless number of unique IP addresses. IPv6 also introduces enhanced security features and greater efficiency in routing. It is the future of IP addresses

Public & Private IP Addresses

IP addresses are broadly categorized based on their scope into public and private IP addresses.

Public IP addresses are assigned to devices connected to the internet. ISPs or Internet Service Providers assign this information to each connected device so they could be properly identified.

Assigning a public IP address to every connected device is very important to ISPs for different reasons. Among them is to properly connect you to the internet with little to no disruption.

Aside from getting devices online, public IP addresses also have a unique role. These IP addresses are often assigned geographically which means they are used to determine your location. Ever wondered why you can’t access some websites, videos or services? It’s because your public IP address is being filtered and prevented from accessing these online services.

The other type of IP address - the private IP address has nearly a similar role as the public IP address but on a much smaller scale. This type of IP address is assigned within the network. In a normal household setting, private IP addresses are assigned by routers and they are given to each device as soon as they are connected to the network.

It should be noted that a private IP address can exist even without the internet. They are however a requirement to be connected to a local network for various reasons. In the early days of computer gaming, LAN games or Local Area Network games were set up without the need to be connected online but they connect and recognize each other through private IP addresses.

Finding Your MAC’s Public and Private IP Address

If you’re using a Macbook and you would like to know your public and private IP address, there are simple steps in order to get this information.

For public IP addresses, just ask “what is my IP address” in your search bar and select a website you’re comfortable working with. Using IPAddress.com can give you your public IP address in an instant:

Aside from your IP address, IPAddress.com will also give you an approximate location and ISP.

For your private IP address in your MAC, follow these steps: Apple Icon > Systems Settings > Network

Click on your active connection (WiFi or Ethernet) and you’ll be taken to your network connection page. Click on details to see further information. Your local IP address should be in display.

Always remember that these IP addresses are very important to your connection and security. Because it is unique information, this can be used to trace and monitor your online or local interaction. Do not give out this information to anyone because this can be used to hack your device.