What is the difference between a public IP address and a private IP address?

A public IP address is assigned to devices that need to communicate over the internet and is routable on the global internet. This means that any device configured with a public IP address can be reached from any other device on the internet, facilitating open communication. Public IP addresses are essential for the proper functioning of web servers, email servers, and other services that must be accessible to users outside of a local network.

On the other hand, private IP addresses are designated for use within a local area network (LAN) and are not routable on the internet. They are meant for internal networking purposes, allowing devices within the same network to communicate with each other but preventing direct access from outside that network. Private IP addresses are defined by specific ranges set aside by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and are commonly used in home, office, and campus networks.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for managing network configurations, including the setting up of networks that require access to internet resources while maintaining a secure internal structure.