IP address
IP address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to a device that is connected to a computer network and uses the Internet Protocol (IP) for communication. The address enables devices to locate and exchange data with one another across the internet or other networks. IP establishes the rules for formatting and transmitting data packets. Each device connected to an IP-based network is assigned an IP address so that information can be routed to and from that device.
In the commonly used IPv4 format, an IP address consists of four sets of numbers separated by periods (for example, 146.30.222.16). A newer format, IPv6, uses a longer structure to accommodate a larger number of devices. IP addresses are allocated to devices by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).
[Last reviewed in March of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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