What is the Difference Between Public IP and Private IP?

The main difference between public and private IP addresses lies in their scope and usage. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Scope: Public IP addresses have a global reach and are used to communicate over the Internet, while private IP addresses have a local reach and are used to communicate within a private network.
• Communication: Public IP addresses are used to communicate with other devices on the Internet, while private IP addresses are used to communicate within a local network, such as a home or office network.
• Uniqueness: Public IP addresses are unique and not used by other devices on the Internet, while private IP addresses can be non-unique and used by multiple devices within different private networks.
• Assignment: Public IP addresses are assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), while private IP addresses are assigned by network routers.
• Security: Public IP addresses are less secure because they are used externally and can be traced, while private IP addresses are more secure since they are not publicly registered and cannot access the Internet directly.

In summary, public IP addresses are used for communication over the Internet, while private IP addresses are used for communication within a local network. Public IP addresses are assigned by ISPs and are unique, while private IP addresses are assigned by routers and can be non-unique. Public IP addresses are less secure than private IP addresses due to their global reach and external usage.

Comparative Table: Public IP vs Private IP

Here is a table summarizing the differences between public and private IP addresses:

Public IP addresses are used to communicate over the internet and can be seen by other devices connected to it. They are assigned by ISPs and require additional security measures due to their exposure to the internet. On the other hand, private IP addresses are used within a private network for communication between devices in the same network. They are assigned by routers to specific devices and are not visible to the public internet.