IP Address

It is a unique four segment number used to identify a specific device located on a specific network. The number represents the address of the device on the network and is necessary when communicating with other devices located on the network.

Example: 92.168.100.10 

Usually the first three segments are used to identify the network and the last segment identifies the device. The IP Subnet Mask information generally defines which segments are needed to identify the network and which identify the device. 

In order for a devices on the network to communicate with other devices on the network it must know the addresses of those devices. If a print command is sent from a computer to a printer on the network, the command must be addressed specifically to the desired printer.

Example: An IP address is no different than your home address, in order to receive a letter specifically directed to you, your name and address must be correctly displayed on the letter. 

IP addresses are assigned by the network administrator/provider and are rigidly assigned to the device(s) located within the workshop network, by entering it into the device during the initial setup.