Uploaded on the 12 April 2016 this document describes in depth what an IP (Internet Protocol) address is and how it works. It can, quite easily, be used to understand how it can work in relation to RailMaster and fixed IP addresses as well as newtorking RailMaster with, for example, a hand-held computer or phone.

If you think, maybe a little loosely, about your own household address as being unique and individual to your good self then an IP address can be thought of equally the same.

Although there are basically two types of IP address. One is local to your intenral network using things like a computer, laptop, tablet, mobile phone, Sky Box, games console and many more. These usually use IP numbers in the range 192.168.1.1 and increment each time a new piece of equipment is added to the network: 192.168.1.2 and so on.

For external networking it so different. You are allocated an IP address by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and while your router stays switched on that number stays with you. If the router is turned off or reset for any reason then that number is lost and a new one from the ISP‘s pool of addresses is allocated. This is known as a Dynamic IP address.

An exception to the previous paragraph is where a fixed IP address is allocated and is permanently issued by an ISP for external networkng (this should not be confused with a fixed IP address on internal networks explained in the previous paragraphs where a router is accessed to allocate these). This is usually done for those running servers or for those who have a very specific need for it. They are normally not offered from the off but can be requested if your ISP utilises that technology and will almost always be charged for.

Every single website name (URL, URI or even URN) is translated to an IP address so the computer technology using them can understand what they mean. Remember, computers are dumb and only understand numbers, primarily Binary. Thus the use of an IP address across the world is absolutely critical for connecting to and being able to view data on the web. It is, of course, far more complex than what I can describe here as the scope is just huge.

The most common form of URI (Uniform Resource Indicator) is the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) frequently referred to informally as a web address. More rarely seen in usage is the URN (Uniform Resource Name) which was designed to complement URL‘s by providing a mechanism for the identification of resources, in particular namespaces.

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Open, and download if required, IP Primer Version 1.1 from the link below. The document will open in a new window.

  IP Primer Version 1.1