IP address types explained
IP addresses are classified by scope and purpose: public addresses are reachable from anywhere on the internet, private addresses work only within a local network, and special-purpose addresses like loopback and broadcast handle specific system functions.
Download CSV| IP Type | Example | Scope | Primary Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public IPv4 | 8.8.8.8 | Public | Internet routing | Works everywhere |
| Private IPv4 | 192.168.1.1 | Private | Local networks | Stays on your network |
| CGNAT | 100.64.0.1 | Private | Carrier NAT | ISPs share these |
| Loopback | 127.0.0.1 | Local | Testing | Just talks to itself |
| Link-local IPv4 | 169.254.1.1 | Local | Auto configuration | APIPA |
| Multicast IPv4 | 224.0.0.1 | Special | Streaming / routing | One device to many |
| Broadcast | 255.255.255.255 | Special | Network broadcast | IPv4 only |
| Public IPv6 | 2001:4860::8888 | Public | Modern internet | The newer standard |
| Unique Local IPv6 | fc00::1 | Private | Internal IPv6 | Stays private |
| Link-local IPv6 | fe80::1 | Local | Neighbor discovery | Limited to one connection |
| Multicast IPv6 | ff02::1 | Special | Group communication | IPv6 only |
| Documentation | 192.0.2.1 | Special | Docs / examples | RFC 5737 |
Standards & references
- RFC 791 - IPv4
- RFC 8200 - IPv6
- IANA IPv4 Special-Purpose Registry
- IANA IPv6 Special-Purpose Registry