IP address
An IP address provides addressing on a network. It differs from a domain name and alone says nothing about the application reachable at that address.
What is an IP address?
An IP address is a numerical address used for communication in IP networks. Packets contain source and destination addresses. RFC791 describes this role for IPv4; RFC4291 explains IPv6 addresses as identifiers for network interfaces or sets of interfaces. A device can have several addresses.
Example: reaching the portal server
In a fictional design, a client uses DNS to find an address for the customer portal's name. That address is then used for network communication. The domain name identifies the service; the IP address and configured network paths help reach its destination.
An IP address is not a user login. A reachable address also does not prove that the expected application is running behind it or that access to a particular project is permitted.
When changing servers, the team therefore treats address mapping, network rules and the actual service configuration separately. It checks a successful connection and correct processing of a portal request as distinct outcomes.
Sources
Related terms
- Domain Name SystemDNS supplies data about names, such as a web server’s address. Name resolution, the server connection and application behaviour are separate steps.
- IPv4IPv4 addresses network destinations using 32-bit addresses. A DNS record and a reachable address do not replace configuring and checking the service.
- IPv6IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses. A portal offered over it needs matching DNS, network, server and access-rule configuration.
- Return-PathReturn-Path records the SMTP reverse path in a header. It explains the technical route for error reports, not a person’s identity.
- Envelope-FromEnvelope-From identifies the SMTP sender for transport and error feedback. It must be distinguished from the visible sender address.
- DMARC aggregate reportA DMARC aggregate report summarises a reporting mail system’s domain checks over a period. It helps examine sending sources and misconfigurations.
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