⚡ Byte-Sized Tech: What Is an IP Address?

This is a new series where we break down tech concepts the same way we’d explain them to a friend — simple, relatable, and straight to the point. Whether you're learning this for the first time or just want to actually get it, you're in the right place.

🧠 What Exactly Is an IP Address?

Imagine your device — your phone, laptop, PlayStation, whatever — is like a house in a giant digital city. For anything to find its way to you (YouTube videos, emails, Spotify playlists), it needs a street address. That’s your IP address: a unique set of numbers that tells the internet exactly where to send the data.

Let’s break it down:

• IP stands for Internet Protocol
• It’s how devices identify each other and communicate
• Just like houses can’t get mail without an address, your device can’t send or receive data without an IP

There are two kinds:

• Public IP: The address your home or business shows to the internet
• Private IP: The address your devices use inside your local network (like within your Wi-Fi)

So when you Google something, your phone says:
"Hey internet, I’m at 192.168.x.x — send me the search results."

And just like that, the data shows up at your door.

🎸 CTRL+Strum is here to make tech feel a little less cryptic.
Next up: What’s a router, and why does it matter?