IP Address Tutorial

Page 3: Structure of IP Address

The structure of IP Addrress is very simple. The IP Address is formed by Network Address (Net) and computer (Host) as shown in the diagram below:

IP address structure

It seems simple. However you may probably a bit confused about it. Let’s take our residental address as an example. Suppose your residental address is:

Hong Kong . Lai Chi Kok . Mei Foo Estate . Block 50 . 5 Floor . Flat A

The above address is very complete and unique. All people in the world can visit you according to this address.

According to your identity (Class A):

Network Address is probably: Hong Kong

Then Host Address is probably: Lai Chi Kok . Mei Foo Estate . Block 50 . 5 Floor . Flat A

In order to make sure that your address is unique, the following rules must be followed:

There is only a city called "Hong Kong" in the world
There is only a district called "Lai Chi Kok . Mei Foo Estate" in Hong Kong
There is only one "Block 50" in Lai Chi Kok . Mei Foo Estate

Of course there can be SAME Network Address with different Host. The following is an example:

London . Lai Chi Kok . Mei Foo Estate . Block 50 . 5 Floor . Flat A

Let’s explore more about IP address in next chapter.