The difference between local and public IP addresses is as follows:
Local IP Address
- Definition: A local IP address is used within a private network. It is not routable on the internet.
- Range: Local IP addresses typically fall within specific ranges defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF):
- 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
- 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
- 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255
- Purpose: Used for communication between devices on the same local network (e.g., home or office network).
- Example: Devices like computers, printers, and smartphones in a home network may have local IP addresses like 192.168.1.2.
Public IP Address
- Definition: A public IP address is assigned to a device that is directly connected to the internet. It is routable and can be accessed from anywhere on the internet.
- Range: Public IP addresses are assigned by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and can be any address not reserved for private use.
- Purpose: Used for communication between devices on different networks, allowing access to the internet.
- Example: Your router may have a public IP address like 203.0.113.5, which is used to communicate with other networks on the internet.
Summary
- Local IP: Used within a private network, not accessible from the internet.
- Public IP: Used for internet communication, accessible from anywhere on the internet.
