The internet is a vast network of interconnected devices, all of which rely on unique numerical identifiers known as IP (Internet Protocol) addresses to communicate. Every time you visit a website, send an email, or stream a video, your device uses an IP address to establish a connection.
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is the most widely used system for identifying devices on a network. Each IPv4 address is a 32-bit number, typically expressed in dotted decimal format (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx), with each section ranging from 0 to 255. However, 185.63.2253.200 is not a valid IP address because 2253 exceeds the allowable range for an IPv4 octet.
In this article, we will explore the structure of IPv4 addresses, their classifications, public vs. private IPs, security concerns, and the transition to IPv6, along with answering frequently asked questions about internet addressing.
What is an IPv4 Address?
An IPv4 address is a unique identifier assigned to every device connected to the internet or a private network. It serves as a means to route data packets between devices, ensuring that online communication occurs efficiently and accurately.
An IPv4 address consists of four numerical segments (octets), separated by periods. Each octet can range from 0 to 255, meaning the total number of possible IPv4 addresses is: 232=4,294,967,296 (around 4.3 billion unique addresses)2^{32} = 4,294,967,296 \text{ (around 4.3 billion unique addresses)}
However, due to the rapid expansion of the internet, the world has run out of publicly available IPv4 addresses, leading to the adoption of IPv6 for greater scalability.
Decoding 185.63.2253.200: Is It a Valid IP Address?
While 185.63.2253.200 looks like an IP address, it is not valid because the third octet (2253) exceeds 255, which is the upper limit for any IPv4 segment.
A corrected version of this could be 185.63.225.200, which falls within an actual range of public IPv4 addresses.
When analyzing an IP address, three key components help define its function:
- Network ID – Defines the broader network it belongs to.
- Host ID – Identifies the specific device within that network.
- Subnet Mask – Helps determine which part of the IP address refers to the network and which part refers to the device.
IPv4 Address Classes
IPv4 addresses are divided into five classes (A, B, C, D, and E), based on their intended use and size of the network.
| Class | IP Range | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | 1.0.0.0 – 126.255.255.255 | Large networks (e.g., big corporations, ISPs) |
| Class B | 128.0.0.0 – 191.255.255.255 | Medium-sized networks (e.g., universities, government agencies) |
| Class C | 192.0.0.0 – 223.255.255.255 | Small networks (e.g., home or office networks) |
| Class D | 224.0.0.0 – 239.255.255.255 | Reserved for multicasting |
| Class E | 240.0.0.0 – 255.255.255.255 | Experimental use only |
If 185.63.225.200 were a valid address, it would likely belong to Class B or Class C, meaning it could be assigned to medium-to-large-sized organizations.
Public vs. Private IPv4 Addresses
IPv4 addresses are categorized as either public or private:
Public IP Addresses
- Routable on the internet.
- Assigned by ISPs (Internet Service Providers).
- Used by websites, cloud services, and data centers.
- Example: 185.63.225.200 (if valid, this would be a public IP).
Private IP Addresses
- Used within local networks (e.g., home Wi-Fi, office LAN).
- Not accessible from the public internet.
- Used to prevent address exhaustion by reusing the same addresses within separate private networks.
- Common ranges:
- 10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255
- 172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255
- 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255
IPv4 Security Concerns
IPv4 has several security challenges, including:
- IP Spoofing – Attackers forge IP addresses to bypass security filters.
- DDoS Attacks – Flooding an IP with traffic to disable a server or service.
- Man-in-the-Middle Attacks – Intercepting network traffic between two devices.
To combat these threats, network administrators use firewalls, VPNs, and encryption protocols like SSL/TLS.
IPv6: The Future of IP Addressing
Due to IPv4 exhaustion, IPv6 was introduced, offering:
- 128-bit addressing (versus IPv4’s 32-bit).
- 340 undecillion addresses (virtually unlimited).
- Built-in security (encryption and authentication).
An IPv6 address looks like this: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:73342001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
However, IPv6 adoption is still in progress, as many networks continue using IPv4 alongside IPv6 (dual-stack approach).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an IP address used for?
IP addresses enable communication between devices on the internet or a local network, allowing data transmission between computers, servers, and websites.
2. Why is 185.63.2253.200 invalid?
The third octet (2253) exceeds 255, which makes it an improperly formatted IPv4 address.
3. Can an IP address be changed?
Yes. Most ISPs assign dynamic IP addresses, which change periodically. Static IPs, however, remain fixed.
4. How do I check my IP address?
You can check your public IP by searching “What is my IP?” on Google or using network settings on your device.
5. What happens if two devices have the same IP?
IP conflicts can occur, causing connectivity issues and network disruptions.
6. Is IPv4 still in use?
Yes, but due to address shortages, IPv6 adoption is growing.
7. What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 is 32-bit, supporting 4.3 billion addresses, while IPv6 is 128-bit, supporting trillions of addresses.
8. Can I track a device using its IP?
IP addresses can approximate a device’s location, but they do not provide precise tracking.
9. What is a subnet mask?
A subnet mask helps differentiate the network portion from the host portion of an IP address.
10. What is NAT (Network Address Translation)?
NAT allows multiple devices in a private network to share a single public IP address for internet access.
Conclusion
While 185.63.2253.200 is not a valid IP, properly structured IPv4 addresses play a crucial role in global internet communication.
With the growing demand for IP addresses, the world is transitioning to IPv6 to ensure long-term scalability and security.
Understanding how IP addresses work helps improve cybersecurity, optimize networking, and enhance online privacy.
