Each computer on the internet is called a Host Computer or
Host. Each host computer on the internet has a unique number, called its IP
address. IP addresses are in the format xxx.xxx.xxx, where each xxx is a number
from 0 to 255.
IP addresses identify the host computers, so that the packets of
information reach the correct computer. When you configure your computer for
internet connection, you have to type IP addresses.
IP address on dial-up connection
If you are using a dial-up connection, your Internet service
provider (ISP) assigns your computer an IP addresses each time that you
connect. This system enables your ISP to get along with fewer IP addresses,
because it needs only enough IP addresses for the number of users who connected
simultaneously.
IP address on high speed DSL
You may have a static (unchanging) IP address, or your ISP
may assign you an address each time you connect, if you are connected to a
high-speed DSL or cable internet account. Static IP addresses are rarer every
year and usually cost extra.
Computers on a local area network (LAN) usually have IP
addresses that are reserved for use on LANs rather than on the internet itself.
These addresses are usually in the range 192.168.x.x or 169.254.x.x. A server
on the LAN usually assigns them: the most common IP assignment server is DHCP
(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).
How to Find Your IP address
If your computer connects to the internet through a LAN,
this IP address is probably not the one that appears on the internet. In order
to find out your IP address according to the internet, go to the site www.whatsmyipaddress.com