Abbreviation for Internet Protocol address. An IP address consists of a numeric code containing four numbers from 0 to 255 (e.g. 217.72.195.42). Newer IP addresses (IPv6) are much longer and consist of digits and the letters a–f separated from each other by a colon (e.g. 2001:8a2e:0370:0db8:85a3:7344:08d3:1319). This is the numeric address of a specific computer on the internet; this IP address can be used to uniquely identify a computer in the network.
In order to enable end users to avoid having to deal with complex numeric sequences, there is something called the Domain Name System, which converts IP addresses into alphanumeric identifiers. This can be used, for example, to convert the IP address 193.134.72.151 into Helvetia Baloise.
As there is not an infinite number of IP addresses available, private connections are usually allocated dynamic IP addresses. If the connection to a dynamic IP address is interrupted, the next available identifier is assigned when connection is re-established.
In contrast, a static IP address is mainly used for computers that provide services on the internet and should always be reachable under the same IP address (e.g. Helvetia Baloise).