The comprehensive guide to IP addressing
IP addresses are a fundamental aspect of modern networking and internet communication. They serve as unique identifiers for devices connected to a network and play a crucial role in routing data across the internet. Understanding the various components and concepts related to IP addresses, including IPv4, IPv6, RIPE, geolocating, and more, is essential for network administrators, IT professionals and anyone interested in the underlying mechanics of internet connectivity.
IP glossary
The following glossary provides an alphabetical overview of key terms and concepts, offering a comprehensive guide to the world of IP addressing and related technologies. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting to explore this complex field, this glossary serves as a valuable reference point.
AFRINIC (African Network Information Centre)
AFRINIC is one of the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) responsible for IP address allocation in the African region.
Anycast
Anycast is a network addressing and routing method in which incoming requests can be routed to various locations.
APNIC (Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre)
APNIC is one of the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) responsible for IP address allocation in the Asia-Pacific region.
ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers)
ARIN is one of the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) that manage the distribution of IP addresses in North America.
Autonomous System (AS)
An AS is a collection of connected IP routing prefixes under the control of one or more network operators.
CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing)
CIDR is a method for allocating IP addresses and routing Internet Protocol packets.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
DHCP is a network management protocol used to dynamically assign an IP address to devices on a network.
DNS (Domain Name System)
DNS translates human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses.
Geolocating
Geolocating refers to determining the physical geographic location of an Internet-connected device based on its IP address.
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
ICMP is used by network devices to send error messages and operational information.
IP Address
An IP address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.
IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4)
IPv4 is the fourth version of the Internet Protocol, using a 32-bit address space.
IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6)
IPv6 is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol, using a 128-bit address space.
LACNIC (Latin American and Caribbean Network Information Centre)
LACNIC is one of the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) responsible for IP address allocation in the Latin American and Caribbean regions.
Multicast
Multicast is the delivery of information to a group of destinations simultaneously.
NAT (Network Address Translation)
NAT is a method of remapping one IP address space into another.
RIR (Regional Internet Registry)
RIRs are organizations that manage the allocation and registration of Internet number resources within a particular region of the world.
RIPE (Réseaux IP Européens)
RIPE is a collaborative forum open to all parties interested in wide area IP networks in Europe and beyond.
Subnet
A subnet is a segment of a network that shares a common IP address prefix.
Unicast
Unicast describes communication between a single sender and a single receiver over a network.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the Internet.
Your partner in IPv4 transfers
With a strong and proven track record in the RIPE and ARIN region, Prefix Broker is a trusted partner in reliable IPv4 brokerage and is able to mediate between parties and handle all details of an IPv4 address transaction, IPv4 lease or IPv6 lease. Whether you want to purchase IPv4 address space or are looking to lease IPv4 addresses, our committed team is here for you.
