An IP address (Internet Protocol Address) is a unique identifier used to locate devices within a network. Every device connected to the internet, including servers hosting websites, has its own IP address. There are two main types of IP addresses:
- IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) – The most widely used version, consisting of four numeric blocks separated by dots, e.g., 192.168.1.1.
- IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) – A newer format using hexadecimal notation, e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.
An IP address is essential for routing network traffic and enabling communication between devices on the internet.
What Is a Domain?
A domain (e.g., example.com) is a human-readable address used to identify websites. Domain names are part of the DNS (Domain Name System), which translates text-based domain names into corresponding IP addresses of servers.
Domains are structured hierarchically and consist of several components:
- TLD (Top-Level Domain) – The highest level of a domain, such as .com, .org, .net, .cz.
- Second-Level Domain – The primary domain name, e.g., example in example.com.
- Subdomains – Specific sections of a website, e.g., blog.example.com.
Key Differences Between an IP Address and a Domain
| Factor | IP Address | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A numeric identifier for devices in a network | A text-based name for website access |
| Example | 192.168.1.1 or 2001:db8::1 | example.com, google.com |
| Purpose | Routing network traffic | Easy identification of websites |
| Management | Assigned automatically by ISPs or servers | Registered through domain registrars |
| Readability | Difficult to remember | User-friendly and memorable |
How Are IP Addresses and Domains Related?
When a user enters a domain into a browser, the DNS system translates the domain name into the corresponding IP address and directs the user to the correct server. For example, entering google.com will have DNS resolve the domain to an IP address like 142.250.187.206, allowing access to the website.
An IP address is a numerical identifier used in networking, while a domain is a text-based address that makes accessing websites easier. Without domains, users would have to type complex numeric IP addresses, which would be impractical. The DNS system acts as an intermediary that links domains to their respective IP addresses, enabling seamless communication on the internet.
