No one can ever access the internet without an IP Address. An Internet protocol address is a 32bit or 64 bit configured subnet that identifies every device on the internet. With the popularity streak of smartphones promising a clear domination over computers in future, IP addresses are slowly changing from the original IPV4 series now to IPV6 and the need to know your device address is as important as memorizing call through digits.
Authorities use IP address lists to block websites and given zones on the internet to ban access the same way social media tax came to life. So, knowing your device IP address is a basic requirement you can’t under-estimate and here is how you can retrieve both your local and public address.
Accessing your local IP Address
In order for a smartphone or computer to access a network connection whether through a sim dial-up connection or via Wi-Fi, it needs a private address in order to fully communicate and access the internet.
As a matter of fact, the process of dynamically acquiring an IP address is initially compulsory unless you wish to edit and trigger a static address received from a network administrator. In order to access your IP address, simply follow these steps on a smartphone or computer.
On a Smartphone
Using an Android smartphone, access your device settings to access the status tab located adjacent to the about phone option where the IP address is listed below the device IMEI information option.
On an iPhone, the process is a replica of the Android version and the IP address is directly listed in the About phone list. Or else, If you wish to know your assigned WI-Fi address, simply tap the connected network for a list of all asssigned addresses to your iPhone or iPad
On a Computer
Windows has grown from a popular operating system to a new computers requirement as manufacturers embed the logo button on fresh new sold laptops & keyboard. Well, to access your IP Address simply open the run dialog by pressing the Windows Logo button + R and enter cmd for command prompt.
In case you can open the command prompt from your start menu, well and good. On the Open command prompt enter the command ipconfig /all to retrieve all network adapters and IP address for each computer network device whether Wi-Fi or your Ethernet local area network listed as IPv4 address.
On a Linux based computer, open terminal (opposite of windows cmd prompt) and enter ifconfig to access all network adapters and appropriate addresses, in case you are connected to a Wi-Fi network the device name will begin with a Wpsl and IP listed as inet address.
Retrieving your public IP Address
The core services sold by all Internet service providers is a connection to the internet per kilobyte sent, telcos like Airtel, Africell or MTN give you a public IP address and charge you inform of MBs the data sent through this address. Public addresses are usually class A series dominated by the 10.0.0.0 subnet.
Unlike the above private addresses procedure, you can only access your IP address through external 3rd party tools since your network provider doubles as your face on the internet. On both your computer or smartphone, simply visit whatsmyip.com or try a better alternative on the internet to know your current IP Address. On the other hand, Using a VPN alters your public address through a secure tunnel and all you will see is the address provided by your VPN service.
