Ever wonder how your devices connect to the internet? It all starts with an IP address! But did you know there are different *types of IP addresses*? Let's break it down.
**Public IP Addresses:** Think of this as your house's street address. It's how the internet knows where to find you. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns this to your modem.
**Private IP Addresses:** Now, imagine each device *inside* your house needs its own unique identifier. That's where private IP addresses come in. These are used within your *private network* (like your home Wi-Fi). A common *example* range is 192.168.1.x. Your router assigns these.
Why the distinction? Private addresses aren't directly accessible from the internet, adding a layer of security. They allow multiple devices to share a single public IP, saving precious internet resources. So next time you're online, remember the hidden world of IP addresses working behind the scenes!