What is a numerical label assigned to each device in a network?
VerifiedAnswer: IP Address
Explanation:
An IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique numerical label that identifies each device connected to a computer network. Think of it as a digital postal address for your device - just like how your home has a specific address so mail can reach you, every device needs an IP address so data can find its way to the right destination.
There are two main types of IP addresses currently in use. IPv4 addresses consist of four numbers separated by dots, with each number ranging from 0 to 255. For example, 192.168.1.1 is a common IPv4 address. The newer IPv6 addresses are much longer and use both numbers and letters, like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334, designed to accommodate the growing number of internet-connected devices.
IP addresses serve several crucial functions in networking:
• Device identification - Every smartphone, laptop, router, and smart device gets its own unique IP address • Data routing - Routers use IP addresses to determine where to send information packets • Network communication - Devices use IP addresses to establish connections and exchange data • Internet access - Your device needs an IP address to connect to websites and online services
IP addresses can be either static (permanently assigned) or dynamic (temporarily assigned by your internet service provider). Most home users have dynamic IP addresses that change periodically, while servers and business networks often use static IP addresses that remain constant.
Understanding IP addresses is fundamental to grasping how modern networks and the internet function. Without these numerical labels, devices wouldn't know where to send information, making network communication impossible.
