Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules that govern how data is sent and received over the internet. It is essential for enabling devices to communicate with each other, ensuring that data packets are routed correctly from the source to the destination. Each device on a network is assigned a unique IP address, which acts like a mailing address, allowing information to be directed accurately. There are two main versions of Internet Protocol: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 is the most widely used version, but it has limitations in the number of available addresses. IPv6 was developed to address these limitations, providing a vastly larger address space and improved features for modern internet needs.