What is an IP address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to every device connected to the Internet. It enables machines to communicate with each other on the network, much like a postal address allows you to receive mail. There are two versions: IPv4 (format like 192.168.1.1) and IPv6 (a longer format designed to address IPv4 exhaustion).
Your public IP address is the one visible from the Internet. It is assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and can reveal approximate information about your geographic location, operator, and connection type. While it does not personally identify you, it is a piece of data worth paying attention to.
To protect your online privacy, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) which hides your real IP address by replacing it with the VPN server's address. This tool automatically detects whether you are using a VPN or proxy, and displays information associated with the visible IP address.