In the digital age, IP addresses are the foundation of internet communication. Every device connected to the internet has a unique identifier—its IP (Internet Protocol) address. Whether you’re troubleshooting network issues, managing a website, or just curious, understanding IP addresses can be incredibly helpful.
In this article, we’ll explore what IP addresses are, the difference between IPv4 and IPv6, and how to fix common errors like invalid address formats (e.g., 185.63.253.2001).
What Is an IP Address?
An IP address is a string of numbers that uniquely identifies a device on a network. It’s like a home address for your computer or smartphone on the internet. Without IP addresses, devices wouldn’t be able to send or receive information online.
There are two main types of IP addresses:
1. IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4)
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Format:
xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx(e.g.,192.168.0.1) -
Each group (octet) ranges from 0 to 255
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The most widely used, but limited to about 4.3 billion unique addresses
2. IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)
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Format: Eight groups of four hexadecimal digits, separated by colons (e.g.,
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334) -
Created to address the shortage of IPv4 addresses
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Allows for 340 undecillion (that’s 36 zeros!) unique addresses
Why Is 185.63.253.2001 an Invalid IP Address?
At first glance, 185.63.253.2001 may look like a regular IP address. However, it’s not valid for the following reason:
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In IPv4, the largest value any section can be is 255.
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Here, the last section is
2001, which far exceeds the limit.
Correct Format Example:
✅ Valid: 185.63.253.200
❌ Invalid: 185.63.253.2001
If you meant to refer to an IPv6 address, it should look something like this: 2001:0db8::1, not a dot-separated format.
How to Identify a Valid IP Address
For IPv4:
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Consists of four numbers separated by dots
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Each number is between 0 and 255
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Example:
8.8.8.8(Google DNS)
For IPv6:
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Eight groups of four hex digits
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Colons separate each group
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May contain
::to compress zeros -
Example:
2001:4860:4860::8888(Google DNS IPv6)
Common IP Address Errors and Fixes
1. Invalid Format
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Cause: Typing mistakes, such as
300.1.2.3or123.456.789.0 -
Fix: Double-check for numbers over 255 or too many/few segments
2. Duplicate IPs
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Cause: Two devices on the same network using the same IP
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Fix: Use DHCP or manually assign unique addresses
3. Private vs. Public IP Confusion
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Private IPs: Used in local networks (
192.168.x.x,10.x.x.x) -
Public IPs: Used on the internet
4. IP Address Not Found
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Fix: Try using IP lookup tools or command-line tools like
ping,ipconfig, ortraceroute
How to Look Up or Trace an IP Address
You can find details about an IP address using online tools:
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Whois Lookup: Shows ownership and contact info
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IP Geolocation Tools: Approximate location of the IP
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Traceroute: Maps the path a packet takes to reach the IP
Useful websites:
FAQs
❓ What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 is older and uses 32-bit addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1), while IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (e.g., 2001:db8::1) to support a larger number of devices.
❓ Can IP addresses identify someone’s exact location?
Not exactly. IPs can give an approximate geolocation, like a city or region, but not a precise home address.
❓ Is 185.63.253.2001 a hack attempt?
No, it’s just a misformatted address, not an active threat by itself. However, malformed IPs in logs could indicate scanning or misconfigured tools.
❓ How do I fix IP conflicts on my network?
Restarting your router or switching to automatic (DHCP) settings usually resolves conflicts.
Conclusion
IP addresses are vital to the functioning of the internet. Understanding how they work—along with common issues like invalid formats—can help you troubleshoot and manage networks more effectively. Next time you see a strange IP like 185.63.253.2001, you’ll know exactly why it doesn’t belong.
If you’re managing a network, a website, or just trying to understand your own internet setup, learning IP basics is a must. Stay informed and in control!