Private and Public IP Addresses
The are two types of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses: Public and Private.
A router will typically have two types of network interfaces:
- An Internal Interface
- An external Interface
Each of these interfaces will have an IP address.
Public IP address
A Public IP address (External) is assigned to every device that connects to the Internet and each IP address is unique. Therefore, there cannot exist two device with the same public IP address. This addressing scheme makes it possible for the devices to “find each other” online and exchange information. A user has no control over the IP address (public) that is assigned to the device. The public IP address is assigned to the device by the Internet Service Provider as soon as the device is connected to the Internet.
A public IP address can be static, dynamic or shared.
Public static - some times called Dedicated means the IP address never changes.
Public dynamic - means the IP address can change from time-to-time (typically when you lose connection and re-connect).
Public shared - in some cases, an ISP can assign a public IP address to a group of users, and then employ NAT to isolate their traffic.
Private IP address
Private IP address (Internal) is only used by devices communicating to each other on the same network. Devices with private IP addresses cannot connect directly to the Internet. Likewise, computers or other devices outside the local network cannot connect directly to a device with a private IP.
An IP address is considered private if the IP number falls within one of the IP address ranges reserved for private networks such as a Local Area Network (LAN). The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) has reserved the following three blocks of the IP address space for private networks (local networks):
10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255 (Total Addresses: 16,777,216)
172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255 (Total Addresses: 1,048,576)
192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255 (Total Addresses: 65,536)
Network Address Translation
Network address translation (NAT) is a method of remapping one IP address space into another by modifying network address information in IP header of packets while they are in transit across a traffic routing device. Or to put it in plain terms, NAT allows devices with private IP addresses to communicate with hosts via the internet using IP masquerading.
IP masquerading is a technique that hides an entire IP address space, usually consisting of private IP addresses, behind a single IP address in another, usually public address space. The address that has to be hidden is changed into a single (public) IP address as "new" source address of the outgoing IP packet so it appears as originating not from the hidden host but from the routing device itself:
IP Address Terminology
Static means the IP address never changes as long as you stay with the same provider or same server.
Dynamic means the IP address can change from time-to-time.
Public means the IP address can be visited from any computer in the world.
Private means the IP address can only be used by those on the same network.
Shared means other people use your IP address for their connection.
Dedicated means no one else uses your IP address for their connection.
Class identifies the range of your IP address and the default subnet mask.
A class - 0 to 127 with default mask of 255.0.0.0
B class - 128 to 191 with default mask of 255.255.0.0
C class - 192 to 223 with default mask of 255.255.255.0
D class - 224 to 247 (not currently used)
E class - 248 to 255 (not currently used)
Frequently Asked Questions
How to obtain a static IP address?
If you prefer a static IP address, contact your service provider. Customers can sometimes obtain a static IP by subscribing to a special service plan and paying extra fees.
Can I setup remote access for router with dynamic IP address
Yes. You can use Dynamic DNS or RMS services
What are the advantages of a static IP and what are its disadvantages?
Advantages:
Convenient remote access – When you remotely connect to a router you need not worry about the changes in the IP address.
Static IP addresses are more stable for Internet use since they never change. In cases of a dynamic IP address, the Internet service provider may automatically change the address on a regular basis, as frequently as every few hours. This can cause a lapse in the connection.
Disadvantages:
Security – router with a static IP address is much easier to track through the Internet. Static IP Address could be a security risk as the IP address is constant. There is a greater chance of hacking.
What are the advantages of a dynamic IP and what are its disadvantages?
Security – routers having Dynamic IP address have relatively lower security risk.
Remote Access – for permanent access router from remote you will need a DNS address service that can update your IP address regularly.