IP address
Let an agent explain IP addresses, relay formats, allocation, private ranges, DHCP, NAT and privacy from IETF, IANA and data protection sources, describe the named address types and flag network aliases, and distinguish IP addresses from MAC addresses, domain names, ports and physical locations, without enabling tracking or attacks.
Research draft, second pass
A second pass drafted this model: the structure a model of this thing needs, and what is known about it in the world. The line under this one says how the second half was obtained - researched against sources, or recalled without web access, in which case nothing here was read anywhere and every claim is a lead to verify. Unreviewed either way.
written by Claude from model knowledge without web access - no source was read, every claim is a lead to verify
Researched by: Claude
Purpose and description
Let an agent explain IP addresses, relay formats, allocation, private ranges, DHCP, NAT and privacy from IETF, IANA and data protection sources, describe the named address types and flag network aliases, and distinguish IP addresses from MAC addresses, domain names, ports and physical locations, without enabling tracking or attacks.
A numerical label assigned to a network interface on a network that uses the Internet Protocol, identifying the host and enabling routing, in IPv4 as a 32-bit address usually written in dotted decimal, and in IPv6, standardised in RFC 2460 of 1998 and RFC 8200 of 2017, as a 128-bit address written in hexadecimal; addresses may be static or dynamically assigned by DHCP, and private address ranges defined in RFC 1918 and IPv6 unique local addresses are used inside private and enterprise networks behind network address translation. The registry aliases private network and enterprise private network name networks rather than addresses. IP addresses can be personal data under laws such as the GDPR, and this model gives no guidance on tracking or attacking individuals.
What it is for: Identifying and routing to devices on IP networks.
It can be explain IPv4 and IPv6 formats; relay allocation and private ranges; describe named address types; relay privacy considerations.
Distinguishing features
Hierarchical allocation
IPv4 exhaustion
Private and public ranges
Personal data status
What it looks like
Not a physical object; strings such as dotted decimal or colon-separated hexadecimal numbers.
Physical character
IPv4 address length: 32 bits - about 4.3 billion addresses
IPv6 address length: 128 bits
RFC 1918 private ranges: 1996 year - 10/8, 172.16/12, 192.168/16
How it is recognised
Network-layer address in IP networks
Private network, enterprise private network, dynamic IP address, static IP address, IPv6 address, unique local address
MAC addresses identify hardware on local links; domain names map to addresses; ports identify services; IP addresses give only approximate location
Related models
is a kind of - in registry terms
is allocated by - through regional registries
is contrasted with -
is contrasted with - network rather than address
In practice
Families and kinds
IPv4 addresses
IPv6 addresses
static and dynamic addresses
private and unique local addresses
anycast and multicast addresses
Standards and regulation
IETF RFC 791, RFC 8200, RFC 1918, RFC 4193
Regional Internet Registry policies
GDPR treatment of IP addresses as personal data
Failure modes and hazards
Enabling tracking or harassment
Overstating geolocation accuracy
Exposing devices without firewalls
Also called
Where this came from
wikidata · CC0 1.0
Drafted structure
Bundle to layer to finding to question, as the second pass will find it: 4 bundles · 8 layers · 8 findings · 16 questions.
Understand What an IP address is.
Definition.
Definition
Definition.
Definition
Definition.
- What is an IP address, and how does it differ from MAC addresses, domain names, ports and physical locations? definition
- Is someone being threatened or harassed by a person claiming to know their IP address, in which case report to police or the platform? boundary
Types
Named types.
Types
Types.
- What are dynamic, static, IPv6 and unique local addresses, and why are private networks different? definition
- Which entry fits the specific type? action
Technical Formats and allocation.
Regulation.
Formats
IPv4 and IPv6.
Formats
Formats.
- How are IPv4 and IPv6 addresses structured and written? provenance
- Which references are standard? provenance
Allocation
Allocation.
Allocation
Allocation.
- How do IANA and regional registries allocate addresses, and why did IPv4 run out? provenance
- Which sources are cited? provenance
Networks Local networks.
Science.
NAT
Network address translation.
NAT
NAT.
- How do private ranges and NAT let many devices share a public address? provenance
- Which entry fits network address translation? action
DHCP
Dynamic assignment.
DHCP
DHCP.
- How does DHCP assign dynamic addresses? provenance
- Which entry fits Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol? action
Context Privacy.
Attribution.
Privacy
Privacy.
Privacy
Privacy.
- Why do courts and regulators treat IP addresses as personal data in some contexts? provenance
- Is the presentation neutral and free of tracking guidance? boundary
Geolocation
Geolocation limits.
Geolocation
Geolocation.
- How accurate is IP geolocation, and why is it often wrong? provenance
- Which entry fits geolocation software? action
What the second pass must settle
- The registry aliases private network and enterprise private network should be moved to network entries
- Should IPv6 address be a separate entry?
- How should IETF RFCs be linked?