What is the difference between a public and private IP address?

A public IP address is accessible over the internet, which is the primary distinguishing feature that sets it apart from a private IP address. Public IP addresses allow devices to communicate with each other across the internet and are assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). These addresses must be unique throughout the entire internet, ensuring that data is routed correctly to the appropriate destination.

In contrast, private IP addresses are reserved for use within local networks and cannot be accessed directly from the internet. They are commonly used in home and office networks to allow multiple devices to communicate internally. This distinction is crucial for network design and security, as private IP addresses help preserve the limited number of public IP addresses available and provide a layer of protection for devices on a local network.