Internet Protocol (IP)

The Internet Protocol, or IP, is the fundamental protocol for addressing and forwarding data packets in networks. It operates at the network layer of the OSI model and ensures that packets reach their destination across multiple networks based on IP addresses. IP works connectionlessly and without delivery confirmation, with reliability handled by higher-level protocols such as TCP. Two versions are in use: IPv4 with 32-bit addresses and IPv6 with 128-bit addresses, which replaces the limited IPv4 address space. Networks are divided using subnet masks and prefix lengths, supported by mechanisms such as DHCP, NAT and routing protocols. As the common basis for data transmission, voice services and cloud applications, IP forms the foundation of modern network infrastructures.