An IP network is a system that allows devices, such as computers and smartphones, to communicate with each other over the internet or local networks. It uses the Internet Protocol (IP) to send and receive data packets, ensuring that information reaches the correct destination. Each device on the network is assigned a unique IP address, which acts like a mailing address, allowing data to be routed accurately. IP networks can be classified into two main types: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 uses a 32-bit address scheme, providing around 4 billion unique addresses, while IPv6 uses a 128-bit scheme, allowing for a vastly larger number of addresses. This expansion is essential as the number of internet-connected devices continues to grow.