Just like how your home has an address, your computer also requires a special identifier to receive data from a particular network. This unique identifier, known as the **Internet Protocol (IP) address**, is assigned to every computer connected to a network. The IP address functions as the distinct code for the TCP/IP protocol, which is the fundamental language or protocol of the internet. The TCP/IP protocol itself operates in two layers, with the IP address serving as the lower layer responsible for managing the address of the transmitted file packets, ensuring they reach their intended destination effectively. To maintain connectivity within a network and access online content seamlessly, understanding the significance of your computer’s IP address is crucial.
Anyone can view your IP address and find your location. So, if that is the case, then anyone who knows your IP address and can also access the network you are connected to. They will be able to affect a program you are running on your computer. Without proper protection, your traffic could be at risk.
You can protect your data by hiding your IP address through a VPN service. Learn all about IP addresses and how a VPN hides it by reading below.
Computers get assigned with an IP address in two ways: either by a newly assigned IP at the time of starting up, or a permanent IP by a fixed configuration of the hardware of software. These types of assignment are called a dynamic IP address and static IP address, respectively.
A dynamic IP address reduces the burden of assigning a specific permanent IP address to a device. It can change even by just turning the router on and off. Plus, it uses a leasing system, which means that an IP address is only active at a given period of time, and once the lease expires, the IP address also changes.
Static IP addresses are manually configured for a device, which means that it doesn’t change. Domain Name System (DNS) servers use static IP addresses so your device automatically connects to them, so you won’t have to re-configure the DNS servers on your router in order for you to normally use the internet.
If you want to know how to hide IP address, a VPN is the perfect solution. The purpose of a VPN is to provide a secure connection between your computer and the internet so you can surf the web without being traced. Instead of using your real IP address when you are browsing, a VPN masks yours and gives you one of their IP addresses in the server location of your choice. It means that if you choose a server located in India, for example, you will appear to be using the internet from that country, making you difficult to track. VPN services use dynamic IP addresses so computers will be difficult to trace due to the ever-changing IP assignment. Some VPNs also assign multiple computers a single IP address – called a shared IP address.
Before knowing how to hide IP address, you have to view your real IP address first. You should test the VPN service you’re using to see if it really did hide IP address. If you want to know whether your VPN USA has hidden your real IP address, you can check it in your device through the following methods below.
Now that you know how to view and hide IP address, it’s time to take the next step. Get the best VPN to service to protect your privacy. Not only does it hide your IP address, but it also has the following benefits:
There are so many VPN options to choose from. You can get a plan that suits your specific needs. Some VPN services offer business plans and personal plans. They also give huge deals and discounts whenever you subscribe to their service long-term.