An IP address is a unique combination of numbers assigned to your device, which enables it to communicate with other devices on the Internet. PureVPN Privacy Tools
What is an IP Address?
An Internet Protocol address, more commonly known as an IP address, is a unique identifier assigned to every device or a computer. IP addresses are further classified into two versions. The IPv4 consists of only numeric labels, such as 204.68.45.80. The IPv6, on the other hand, consists of a combination of numeric as well as hexadecimal such as 2001:db8:85a3::8a2e:370:7334
Apart from that, two different types of IPs are allotted to you when you are connected to a network: Public IP and Private IP. Amongst the two, it is the public IP address that allows you to connect to the internet and browse easily.
IPv4 vs. IPv6 Addresses
There’s a reason why the Internet has two different versions of an IP address: IPv4 and IPv6.
IPv4
It is the oldest and commonly used version.
It has a size of 32 bits.
It has an address space of 4,294,967,296 (232) unique combinations.
It is composed of digits, ranging from 0 to 255.
It is limited in numbers and, thus, going to be exhausted soon.
It is written as 204.68.45.80
IPv6
It was created almost three decades after its predecessor
It has a size of 128 bits.
It has a vast address space of 340 undecillion unique combinations.
It is composed of digits as well as hexadecimal.
It would take billions and billions of years for an IPv6 pool to max out.
It is written as 2001:db8:85a3::8a2e:370:7334
Private vs. Public IP addresses
Private IP address
Private IP addresses are used by private networks to identify and share data between devices (e.g. printers, tablets, etc.) that are on the same network. Every computer or any other device on a network has a unique private IP address that is assigned to it by the router via the DHCP protocol. Nothing outside the local network can identify or connect with these devices.
Public IP address
Public IP addresses are assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It is the IP that allows you to connect to the Internet and browse the web. Every device on a local network shares the same public IP address to connect to the Internet since the router itself shares the same IP.
Public IP Addresses Can Reveal a lot About You!
Data is the new commodity (trade). Here’s how your public IP address is adding to this growing trade:
Whereabouts
From your country and state to your postal code and street, your public IP address reveals everything about your location. It, ultimately, puts your privacy at risk since it is the information that gives cybercriminals easy access to your device.
Internet Activities
The searches you make on the internet, the websites you visit and the web history that is being saved on your browser, everything is being stored and tracked. In fact, some governments require ISPs to log the data.
Buying Behavior
It isn’t just your demographics, but advertisers are monitoring your buying behavior, interests and personal preferences. It doesn’t only put your privacy at risk but also allow third-parties to influence your personal opinion and interest.
How to change your IP Address & Location with VPN
It is easy to spoof or change your IP and, thus, virtual location. What you simply need is a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN does not only replace your actual IP with an anonymous IP address. It also routes your internet traffic via a VPN server that encrypts the traffic (data) and hides whatever you do online. Here’s how to go about it:
Launch the VPN 
Connect to any Server 
Enjoy Private Browsing Get Private IP address with the PureVPN
PureVPN offers users an online experience like no other. With reserved Private IPs, users can connect to any PureVPN server, and gain instant connectivity as the IPs are reserved for PureVPN users only.
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