What is Public IP Address and Global Address?
In the world of networking and internet connectivity, two important terms that often come up are public IP address and global address. While these terms may seem similar, they actually refer to different aspects of internet communication. Let’s break down each one to understand their significance.
Public IP Address:
A public IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a device, such as a computer or a smartphone, when it connects to the internet. This address allows the device to communicate with other devices on the internet. Public IP addresses are globally unique, meaning that no two devices can have the same public IP address at the same time.
Global Address:
A global address, on the other hand, refers to the capability of a device or network to be reachable from anywhere on the internet. It is not tied to a specific location or network. A device with a global address is accessible from any location worldwide, allowing it to initiate or receive internet communication regardless of geographical boundaries.
The key difference between a public IP address and a global address lies in their scope. A public IP address is assigned to a device for a specific session or connection, and it may change each time the device connects to the internet. In contrast, a global address is more permanent and remains the same regardless of the device’s connection status.
To understand this concept better, let’s consider a practical example. Imagine you have a laptop connected to the internet through a home router. The router is assigned a public IP address by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), which allows it to communicate with other devices on the internet. However, this public IP address may change if you restart the router or reconnect to the internet after a certain period of time. Despite the changing public IP address, your laptop can still have a global address, enabling it to be reached from any location on the internet.
Having a global address is crucial for services that need to be accessible from anywhere, such as web servers, email servers, or other internet-based applications. Without a global address, these services would be confined to a specific network, limiting their reach and functionality.
In conclusion, a public IP address is the unique identifier assigned to a device during an internet session, while a global address refers to the capability of a device to be reached from anywhere on the internet. Both these concepts play a significant role in enabling communication and connectivity in the digital world we live in.
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