Definition
A public IP address facilitates easier connection to the Internet. Your internet service provider (ISP) will assign a public IP address to your router. So, when you establish a connection to the Internet through the public IP of the router, your personal device’s private IP will be hidden.
Public IP Address Specifications
- It’s internet-wide.
- You cannot be assigned one that is already in use.
- You must transmit it through the internet before using it online.
- You can discover it by simply searching ‘What’s my IP address?’ on your browser.
Benefits of a Public IP Address
- Direct Internet access: A public IP address directly links to the Internet, allowing devices to communicate easily online.
- Remote access: A public IP address enables remote access to devices and services, allowing you to connect to your systems from anywhere in the world.
Limitations of a Public IP Address
- Security risks: A public IP address is visible online, potentially exposing you to cyber threats such as hacking, DDoS attacks, and unauthorized access.
- Privacy concerns: A public IP address can be traced back to the ISP and the user, leading to privacy issues.
Tips on Hiding Your Public IP
- Use a virtual private network (VPN): This is a reliable security tool that masks your IP address and encrypts your data. As a result, third parties can only see the VPN’s server IP address.
- Use a proxy: Like a VPN, proxies allow you to connect to the internet through their servers, protecting your IP address.
- Use a mobile network: When using cellular data, your IP address rotates regularly. This makes it harder to track your traffic.