Private IP Addresses are those addresses that work within the local network. This article will detail the concept of Private IP Addresses in networking.
These addresses are non-routable on the Internet. The address is basically assigned by the network router to your particular device. The unique private IP address is provided to every device which is on the same network. In this way, devices communicate with one another on the same network without connecting to the entire Internet.
In this way, Private IP addresses are able to provide more security within a particular network. The private IP address cannot be seen on the Internet, unlike the public IP address. Only devices within the local network are able to see the address of one another.
Private IP address exists within the specific ranges as reserved by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). Following are the address ranges of private IP addresses:
- In Class A, the address range assigned to Private IP Address: 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
- In Class B, the address range assigned to Private IP Address: 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
- In Class C, the address range assigned to Private IP Address: 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255
The range except assigned to Private IP Address is used to assign Public IP Address on a network as public IP addresses are unique for each device on the Internet. Therefore, private networks can use these address ranges for allocating private IP addresses in a specific network. Private IP addresses can be reused on another network which is not possible with Public IP addresses.
Functions of Private IP Address
| Sr. No. |
Parameter |
Private IP Address |
| 1. |
Scope |
It is assigned locally within a specific network. |
| 2. |
Communication |
It is used by devices to communicate with one another on the same network. |
| 3. |
Assigned By |
It is assigned by the LAN administrator or network operator. |
| 4. |
Cost |
Private IP Address is free of cost. |
| 5. |
Reused |
Private IP addresses can be reused by the devices on another network. |
| 6. |
How to find it? |
The ifconfig command is used to search your Private IP address. |
| 7. |
Range |
The reserved address range for different classes is as follows:
- Class A- 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
- Class B- 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
- Class C- 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255
|
| 8. |
Example |
Example of Private IP Address -192.168.12.40. |
Whether you're preparing for your first job interview or aiming to upskill in this ever-evolving tech landscape,
GeeksforGeeks Courses are your key to success. We provide top-quality content at affordable prices, all geared towards accelerating your growth in a time-bound manner. Join the millions we've already empowered, and we're here to do the same for you. Don't miss out -
check it out now!
Last Updated :
19 May, 2022
Like Article
Save Article