which three addresses are valid public addresses

Daniel Parker

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23-02-2025

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Which Three Addresses Are Valid Public Addresses? Understanding Public IP Addresses

The internet relies on a system of unique addresses to identify and connect devices. These addresses are called IP addresses (Internet Protocol addresses). Understanding the difference between public and private IP addresses is crucial, especially if you're troubleshooting network connectivity or setting up a server. This article will help you identify valid public IP addresses from a selection. We'll explore what makes a public IP address valid and show you how to spot them.

What is a Public IP Address?

A public IP address is a unique address assigned to your network by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Think of it as your home's street address on the internet. It's what allows other devices on the internet to find and communicate with your network. Every device directly connected to the internet needs a unique public IP address.

What Makes a Public IP Address Valid?

Several characteristics define a valid public IP address. Crucially, it must be within a range of IP addresses specifically allocated for public use. Private IP addresses, on the other hand, are reserved for internal networks and aren't directly routable on the public internet. Identifying a valid public IP address involves understanding these address ranges:

• IPv4 Addresses: These are the older, more familiar type of IP address. They consist of four numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.1.1). Valid public IPv4 addresses are outside the private ranges:

  • 10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255
  • 172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255
  • 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255

• IPv6 Addresses: These are the newer, longer addresses using hexadecimal notation. They're designed to handle the growing number of internet-connected devices. The identification of private vs. public IPv6 addresses is more complex and often requires specialized tools.

Identifying Valid Public IP Addresses: A Practical Example

Let's say we have the following three IP addresses:

1. 192.168.1.100
2. 173.255.226.14
3. 10.0.0.1

Which of these is a valid public IP address?

The only valid public IP address among these is 173.255.226.14. The other two, 192.168.1.100 and 10.0.0.1, fall within the private IP address ranges outlined above.

Important Note: While 173.255.226.14 is a valid public IP address range, any specific public IP address will be assigned dynamically by the internet service provider (ISP) for a specific duration. It can change over time and not necessarily be the same tomorrow.

How to Find Your Public IP Address

Want to know your own public IP address? Several websites and tools are available. A simple Google search for "what is my IP address" will usually give you the correct information.

Conclusion: Understanding Public vs. Private IP Addresses

Understanding the distinction between public and private IP addresses is essential for network administration, troubleshooting, and internet security. Remember, only public IP addresses are directly accessible on the internet, enabling communication between devices across different networks. Using the information presented above, you can now accurately identify valid public IP addresses.