An IP address (short for Internet Protocol address) is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. IP addresses have two main functions: host or network interface identification and location addressing. A device with an IP address can be a personal computer, a printer, a router, a smartphone, or any other device capable of connecting to a network.
IP addresses are essential for the functioning of the Internet. They allow devices to identify each other and communicate with each other. Without IP addresses, it would be impossible to send data from one device to another over the Internet.