Private vs Public IP Address: Types, Differences, and Uses in Networking

Last Update: October 20, 2026 Post Views: 7336

Explore the different types of IP addresses Public, Private and their essential roles in networking.

Imagine you're at a large party with dozens of people, and someone calls out your name to hand you a gift. Your name is crucial for identifying you in the crowd.

Similarly, an IP address acts as a unique identifier for computers, smartphones, and other devices, allowing them to recognize and communicate with one another. Without IP addresses, devices on a network would not be able to connect with each other, making communication impossible.

🎬 Watch the Video

Watch the video


What Is an IP Address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique address assigned to a device connected to a network. IP addresses are required for communication between devices in a network.


Types of IP Addresses

There are two significant types of IP addresses:

  • Private IP Address
  • Public IP Address


Private IP Addresses

A private IP address is used for communication within a private network. Private IP addresses are not directly accessible from the internet. Examples of private networks include home and office networks.

You can check your private IP address using the ipconfig command.

Example of Private IP Addresses

Your laptop, desktop, smartphone, and smart TV at home may have private IP addresses like:

  • 192.168.0.1 – Laptop
  • 192.168.0.2 – Desktop
  • 192.168.0.3 – Smartphone
  • 192.168.0.4 – Smart TV

These devices can communicate with each other without being exposed to the public internet.


Private IP Address Range

Private IP addresses are reserved for use within private networks, such as homes or offices, and are not routable on the public internet. These ranges are defined by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) in RFC 1918.

Here are the private IP ranges:

Class A:
Range: 10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255
Typical Use: Large organizations with extensive internal networks.

Class B:
Range: 172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255
Typical Use: Medium-sized networks.

Class C:
Range: 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255
Typical Use: Home networks and small offices.



Public IP Addresses

Public IP addresses are unique addresses assigned to devices that connect directly to the internet. These addresses are visible on the internet and can be accessed from anywhere across the globe.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide public IP addresses, which are critical for devices or servers that need to be accessible over the internet.

Example of Public IP Addresses

Your ISP might assign you a public IP address like 203.0.113.42. You can check which public IP address is assigned to you by going to Google and searching "What is my IP address?"

When you visit a website like www.amazon.com, your public IP address is used to communicate with the Amazon server on the internet.


Public IP Address Range

A public IP address range consists of IP addresses that are not used in the private IP address range or reserved range.

Examples:

  • 163.53.76.86
  • 108.158.57.229


Key Takeaway

Understanding the difference between private and public IP addresses is one of the basic and important concepts in networking.

A private IP address is used for communication inside your home or office network, while a public IP address is used for communication across the internet.

If you want to learn networking concepts from the basics with practical training, you can explore our CCNA Training with Automation at Attari Classes .


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an IP address?

An IP address is a unique address required for communication between devices in a network.

2. What is a private IP address?

A private IP address is used for communication within a home or office network. These IP addresses cannot communicate directly over the public internet.

3. What is a public IP address?

A public IP address is used for communication across the internet. It is globally unique and is usually provided by an ISP.


Master Networking with Attari Classes!

Network skillsets are in demand. With Attari Classes live instructor-led CCNA Training , you will get hands-on experience in skills like LAN, WAN, OSI Models, switches, routers, IP addressing, subnetting, VLAN, VTP, STP, RSTP, EtherChannel, OSPF, EIGRP, ACL, NAT, Syslog, NTP, and much more.

Why Choose Us?

  • In-depth coverage of networking topics.
  • Real-world use cases and hands-on labs.
  • Experienced trainers dedicated to your success.
  • Live recorded lectures of training in Attari Classes LMS .

Enroll Now and Get Started Today!

```

CCNA Training Schedule

Online / Classroom Preferred

  • Free DEMO lecture
  • Recorded lectures on LMS
  • Perform live practicals along with trainer
  • Get Trainer Support on WhatsApp
  • Live Instructor led training
  • Certificate from Attari classes
MON TO FRI (5 WEEKS)
Upcoming Regular Batch
16th NOVEMBER 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM (IST)
MON TO FRI (5 WEEKS)
Batch Started
16th SEPTEMBER 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM (IST)

Get In Touch to Avail

20% OFF
View Course Details

Self Paced Training

  • 45 Hours Approx. e-learning
  • Live Recorded Lectures
  • Get free Updates
  • Upgrade to Online/Classroom Training

CCNA Training Testimonials

Book a FREE Demo

Book a FREE Demo

Chat on WhatsApp
//