A numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. For example, a series of numbers and periods uniquely identifies the location of a server hosting a website. This address enables computers to find and communicate with specific servers across the internet.
This is critical for directing internet traffic. Without it, data packets would not be able to reach their intended destination. The accessibility, reliability, and speed of online services are directly impacted by the correct and efficient functioning of these addresses. Furthermore, understanding the assignment and management of these identifiers provides insights into the infrastructure supporting global online communication.