How is a Private IP Address Assigned?

Answer: Private IP addresses are assigned within a specific range reserved for private networks by a router or network administrator.

Private IP addresses are assigned to devices within a local network to facilitate communication within that network. The assignment process typically involves a router, which acts as the gateway between the local network and the wider internet. Here’s a detailed explanation:

DHCP Configuration

Most commonly, private IP addresses are assigned dynamically using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP allows the router to automatically assign IP addresses to devices within the network as they connect

Address Range

Private IP addresses are chosen from specific ranges reserved for private networks. The most commonly used private IP address ranges are defined in RFC 1918 and include:

1. 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255 (10.0.0.0/8)
2. 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255 (172.16.0.0/12)
3. 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255 (192.168.0.0/16)

Router Configuration

The router is configured with a pool of available private IP addresses. When a device connects to the network, the router assigns it an IP address from this pool.

Lease Duration

DHCP also specifies a lease duration for each IP address assignment. After a certain period of inactivity or when the lease expires, the IP address may be reclaimed by the DHCP server and reassigned to another device.

Conclusion

Private IP addresses are crucial for internal network communication within homes, businesses, and organizations. By using DHCP and adhering to designated address ranges, routers can efficiently manage and assign private IP addresses to devices, enabling seamless communication within the network.