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==IP versions==
==IP versions==
IP version 4 is currently used by most network devices. However, with increasing numbers of electronic devices accessing the internet, available IPv4 addresses have been essentially depleted. IPv4 uses 32-bit numeric strings which limits it to 4,294,967,296 possible addresses. To help extend its functionality, [[network address translation]] is often used to connect many devices through only a few (often just one) public addresses. IPv4 addresses can theoretically range from <code>0.0.0.0</code> to <code>256.256.256.256</code>, although there are reserved sets, including <code>0.x.x.x</code>, <code>10.x.x.x</code>, <code>127.x.x.x</code>, and <code>192.168.x.x</code>. The highest possible value for each octet (256) is also no available for normal usage, so 255 is the highest value which can be assigned.
IP version 4 is currently used by most network devices. However, with increasing numbers of electronic devices accessing the internet, available IPv4 addresses have been essentially depleted. IPv4 uses 32-bit numeric strings which limits it to 4,294,967,296 possible addresses. To help extend its functionality, [[network address translation]] is often used to connect many devices through only a few (often just one) public addresses. IPv4 addresses can theoretically range from <code>0.0.0.0</code> to <code>256.256.256.256</code>, although there are reserved sets, including <code>0.x.x.x</code>, <code>10.x.x.x</code>, <code>127.x.x.x</code>, and <code>192.168.x.x</code>. The highest possible value for each octet (256) is also not available for normal usage, so 255 is the highest value which can be assigned.
IP version 6 is the replacement for the aging IPv4. This protocol theoretically offers 2^128 (340,282,366,920,938,463,463,374,607,431,768,211,456) unique addresses.<ref name="What is My IP">http://www.whatismyip.com/faq/what-is-an-ip-address.asp</ref><ref>https://royal.pingdom.com/the-number-of-possible-ipv6-addresses-read-out-loud/</ref> However, RFC 2374 (obsoleted by RFC 3587) has limited the valid IPv6 addresses to about 2^125 at this time. Additionally, some addresses will be reserved for special purposes, and for various other reasons, not all of these theoretical addresses will but usable.<ref>https://rednectar.net/2012/05/24/just-how-many-ipv6-addresses-are-there-really/</ref><br />
IP version 6 is the replacement for the aging IPv4. This protocol theoretically offers 2^128 (340,282,366,920,938,463,463,374,607,431,768,211,456) unique addresses.<ref name="What is My IP">http://www.whatismyip.com/faq/what-is-an-ip-address.asp</ref><ref>https://royal.pingdom.com/the-number-of-possible-ipv6-addresses-read-out-loud/</ref> However, RFC 2374 (obsoleted by RFC 3587) has limited the valid IPv6 addresses to about 2^125 at this time. Additionally, some addresses will be reserved for special purposes, and for various other reasons, not all of these theoretical addresses will but usable.<ref>https://rednectar.net/2012/05/24/just-how-many-ipv6-addresses-are-there-really/</ref><br />
==Tracking==
==Tracking==
===Identification===
Since most devices connect to a given website or service from their own unique IP address, a user can potentially be identified using it alone. Due to the possibility of shared devices, NAT systems, dynamic address reassignment, and other issues, this is not typically a guaranteed method of identification. However, it can be helpful in many situations. Whether for tracking and marketing purposes, or account security (logging in from the same IP repeatedly helps to establish trust) this can be used on its own, or paired with other identification and device "fingerprinting" methods to better establish identity.
===Geolocation===
===Geolocation===
Despite these common inaccuracies, Geolocation can still be used by advertising companies (to advertise based on your approximate location), stalkers and and cyber criminals. IP addresses are not at all secret, so they can be fairly easy to obtain. Any direct communication discloses the user's IP address, and sometimes it is published openly. For example, a [[Wikipedia®]] article "edit history" page that reveals the IP address of editors who did not log into user accounts.<br />
Despite these common inaccuracies, Geolocation can still be used by advertising companies (to advertise based on your approximate location), stalkers and and cyber criminals. IP addresses are not at all secret, so they can be fairly easy to obtain. Any direct communication discloses the user's IP address, and sometimes it is published openly. For example, a [[Wikipedia®]] article "edit history" page that reveals the IP address of editors who did not log into user accounts.<br />
This same basic technique can be used by the webmasters of major websites such as [[YouTube]] and [[Facebook]] to help law enforcement track down a criminal. IP address tracking can play a vital role in law enforcement, such as to track down and prosecute hackers, child molesters, stalkers, and even potential terrorists. Law enforcement agencies typically have the significant benefit of being able to obtain from ISPs (by warrant or subpoena) the exact physical address to which the IP address is registered.
This same basic technique can be used by the webmasters of major websites such as [[YouTube]] and [[Facebook]] to help law enforcement track down a criminal. IP address tracking can play a vital role in law enforcement, such as to track down and prosecute hackers, child molesters, stalkers, and even potential terrorists. Law enforcement agencies typically have the significant benefit of being able to obtain from ISPs (by warrant or subpoena) the exact physical address to which the IP address is registered.
However, geoloacation can also be useful for security. For example, if a user logs in to an online account from an IP that geolocates to the US, and then ten minutes later logs in from another IP which traces back to China, it is reasonable to assume that both attempts are not coming from the account owner. Sophisticated account security systems will often prompt the user(s) for additional identity verification to help prevent compromise. Additionally, some devices and systems are configured to partially or implicitly trust certain addresses (using a whitelist) or block untrusted or dangerous addresses (using a blacklist).
==See also==
==See also==