Think it through · Start with a story
A robot sees 192.168.1.10, and a girl asks: “Are these just four numbers written any way we like?”
Break down the process
- Four number groupsEasy for people to read
- Range of each group0 to 255
- Together they representA 32-bit IPv4 address
- Address rangeA private address block
A common IPv4 address splits 32 bits into four groups of 8 bits, written as decimal numbers separated by dots.
192.168.1.10 is in the private address range and is often used on local networks. It does not tell us a person’s name or a device’s brand.
The network and host portions depend on the subnet prefix; you cannot tell just by guessing from the last group.
Your turn to try
Is 192.168.1.999 a valid IPv4 address in this notation?
Have you decided? Open to see the explanation
No. Each group can be at most 255; 999 is outside the range that 8 bits can represent.
Take away one discovery
A common IPv4 address splits 32 bits into four groups of 8 bits, written as decimal numbers separated by dots.
Try covering the diagram and explaining each step to someone at home. If one step is unclear, go back and look at that card again.