What is an IP Address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address uniquely identifies a computer/server on the Internet.

The IP address takes the form of a dotted-quad number, such as 128.175.13.92. No other computer/server on the same network or on the Internet can have the same IP address at the same time.

When we use domain names to access a website or online service, we are using a human readable shortcut which corresponds with the server's IP address. DNS servers on the Internet automatically translate domain names into IP addresses each time we use a domain name.