IP addresses act as the backbone of the internet - although not everyone might know what these are or how they work, we know that every device has a unique IP address through which it connects to the internet. IP stands for Internet Protocol, and IP addresses play a crucial role in identifying and locating your device in the networks you are a part of.IP addresses can be both private and public, and the specialty of private addresses is that they are local. Private IP addresses refer to a select range of IP addresses that are used for local and internal purposes, such as being assigned to a network router. 192.168.137.203:8080 is an example of a private IP.What is a Private IP Address?Computer network specialists and other technicians who work with networking will be familiar with private IP addresses. A private IP address is used only in the local network and cannot be traced back to the internet. Every device on the same local network is assigned a unique, private IP address by the router.For example, 192.168.137.203:8080 is a private IP address, and the entire range of addresses from 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255 are for private purposes. These addresses cannot be traced or tracked on the internet as they are only for the local network.Characteristics of Private IP AddressesPrivate IPs are not the same as public addresses; while your public IP address helps you connect to the internet, your private IP is for the local network to connect to your router. Non-routable - As these addresses are private, they cannot be traced on the internet.Increased Security and Privacy - Since they are not easily accessible, these IPs are more secure than public addresses. They usually have a layer of firewall that protects them from the internet.Reusable - Every private or local network worldwide uses the same set of limited IP addresses. This does not lead to any confusion as these networks are local.Internal Communication - Private IPs can only be used in internal communication as they need special requirements to connect over the internet.What are Class C, Private IPs?A few ranges of IP addresses are reserved for private and local networks. These include 10.0.0.0 — 10.255.255.255, 172.16.0.0 — 172.31.255.255, and 192.168.0.0 — 192.168.255.255. They are known as Class A, Class B, and Class C IP addresses, respectively.The IP address 192.168.137.203:8080 falls under the Class C of private IPs. It has the smallest range of private addresses among the three classes and offers 65,000 addresses. Since the range is small, these are mostly used in small Local Area Networks (LANs). Since private IPs can be reused across the world, the limited range of these addresses is not an issue. Understanding the Port 8080Any complete IP address comprises two components: the first part is the IP address, and the latter is the port number. For example, in 192.168.137.203:8080, the first part is the IP, and the second part, 8080, is the port number. The port number is the unique identification that transfers data between the network and an application.The port number is useful because it connects specific applications to the network. The computer network can pass messages to a particular application in your system through this unique ID. For example, port 8080 is accessed by web browsers for proxy servers or testing.Difference Between Port 80 and 8080When it comes to computer networking and IP addresses, there are a select few ports that serve specific purposes. Some of the most commonly discussed ports are 80 and 8080. There is a chance that these ports might get mistaken for each other, so let us take a look at the differences between the two unique IDs.Port 80Since 1991, port 80 has been the standard port for HTTP traffic. Port 80 acts as the gateway for HTTP requests and works on the application layer of TCP/IP. This port is not to be confused with port 443, which handles HTTPS requests. Port 80 is usually supported by almost all web servers and clients. This port is used for unencrypted HTTP traffic, meaning anyone can intercept the network and access the data.Port 8080Port 8080 is commonly considered to be the alternative HTTP port and has an IP like 192.168.137.203:8080. Usually, this port is used for personally hosting web servers, especially when port 80 is already in use. It can also be called for operation when a firewall or any similar mechanism blocks port 80. Use of Port 8080The most prominent use for port 8080 is its operation as an alternative HTTP port for web servers. But apart from this, port 8080 is also used for testing and web development purposes. Since port 8080 is not blocked by firewalls or Internet Service Providers (ISPs), developers use this port for testing and developing applications.Applications for Private IPs like 192.168.137.203:8080To understand private IP addresses and their applications, one must be aware of how public IP works. Public IP addresses connect your device to the internet; these IPs are also unique, non-reusable, and limited. So, obviously, there is a limit to the number of public IPs that can be used at the same time.This rule, however, does not apply to private IP addresses. Home networks, office networks, and other LANs are connected through private IP addresses like 192.168.137.203:8080. Another example is that most home routers have an IP address of 192.168.1.1, and they can be reused multiple times across the world as they are private.Here are some of the common applications of private IP addresses.Organizational CommunicationAs private IPs are used in LANs, they are very handy to organize communication inside an office. For example, all the computers, routers, printers, and other devices can be connected to each other through private IP addresses. These IPs also come in handy while segmenting different functions of various devices in the LAN.Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)Most of us are familiar with VPNs, but we might not know that VPNs use private IP addresses. When you connect your device to a VPN, the device is assigned a private IP address that, in turn, communicates with the VPN’s internal network. By using this mechanism, you can ensure that you can access the internet securely and privately.Private SubnettingIn cloud environments like Azure or AWS, private subnets are used to segregate internal resources. These private subnets in cloud platforms function on private IP addresses. The cloud environments can restrict access to resources and control internal communication using private IPs.Local Testing and IsolationPrivate IPs, especially 192.168.137.203:8080, can be used for local development and web testing. Since the address is private, it creates an isolated environment that is perfect for testing web applications and services.How to Find Your Device’s Private IP Address?Finding your private IP address only takes a few steps. Here are the steps given below for different devices and operating systems.WindowsPress the Windows Key on your keyboard. A search box will appear. Type cmd and press ENTER.Now, a window known as ‘Command Prompt’ opens up. Type ipconfig in the window and press ENTER.All the details regarding your private IP will be printed, including the IPv4 and IPv6 information.MacClick on the Apple Icon in the top menu and go to System Settings.Select Network. Choose which option you are looking for - Wi-Fi or Ethernet network adapter.Once you select the adapter, click on Details. The IP details will be displayed. 1AndroidWhile steps may vary across different Android devices, this is the most common way to access your private IP on your phone.Go to Settings of your device.Select About Device and click on Status.Among other details, the IP address will also be displayed.iPhoneSelect Settings on your home screen.Go to Wi-Fi and click the (i) button near the name of the connection.Your IP address and related details will be displayed here.The Bottom LinePublic and private IP addresses are crucial components that help your device connect to the internet. Private IP addresses refer to the unique IDs used by your device to connect to the router in a local network.These IPs cannot be traced on the internet and often fall under a few ranges, like 192.168.137.203:8080.Apart from being used in LANs, private IPs are also used for VPNs and private subnetting. Port 8080 is used as an alternate HTTP port and is often used for web testing in isolated environments. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Question: What is the purpose of the website hosted on 192.168.137.203:8080?Answer: Some applications require authentication. If you are prompted for a username and password, please use the credentials provided by your administrator.Question: How do I access the application?Answer: You can access the application by entering http://192.168.137.203:8080 into your web browser's address bar. Ensure you are connected to the same network as the server.Question: Do I need login credentials to access the application?Answer: Some applications require authentication. If you are prompted for a username and password, please use the credentials provided by your administrator.Question: Can I access this application remotely?Answer: By default, 192.168.137.203:8080 is a local IP address, which means it is accessible only within the same network. If remote access is required, consult with your network administrator about port forwarding or a VPN.Question: What browsers are supported?Answer: Most modern browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari should work with the application. However, for optimal performance, use the browser recommended by your administrator.Read Morehttps://devopsden.io/article/how-to-stop-a-container-in-dockerFollow us onhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/devopsden/
