Legal Definitions - IP address

An IP address stands for Internet Protocol address. It is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. Think of it as a digital street address that allows devices to locate and exchange information with each other across a network, much like a postal address helps mail reach its intended recipient.

The "Internet Protocol" refers to the fundamental set of rules that govern how data is formatted and sent over the internet or a local network. An IP address is crucial because it enables devices to identify one another, ensuring that data packets reach the correct destination.

Here are some examples to illustrate how IP addresses function:

• Accessing a Website: When you type a website address, like "www.yourbank.com," into your web browser, your computer doesn't directly connect using that name. Instead, a system called DNS (Domain Name System) translates "www.yourbank.com" into the bank's web server's specific IP address (e.g., 192.0.2.10). Your computer then uses this IP address to send a request to the server, allowing it to retrieve and display the bank's webpage. Without the IP address, your browser wouldn't know where on the internet to find the website's content.

• Streaming Video to a Smart TV: Imagine you're using a streaming app on your smartphone to cast a movie to your smart TV. For your phone to send the video stream directly to the TV, both devices must have unique IP addresses on your home network. Your phone uses the TV's IP address to establish a connection and transmit the video data, ensuring the movie plays on the correct screen rather than another device connected to your Wi-Fi.

• Sending an Email: When you send an email, your email client (like Outlook or Gmail) connects to your email provider's server. This server then uses the IP address of the recipient's email server to route your message across the internet. The recipient's server, in turn, uses the IP address associated with their specific mailbox to deliver the email. The IP addresses act as crucial routing information, guiding your email from your computer to its final destination.