A $$Network$$ is a set of interconnected devices. While traditionally such devices were computers $($servers$,$ desktops, laptops$),$ today such devices may include phones, watches, doorbells, thermostats, dishwashers, video games, cars, HVAC systems, etc., what is collectively known as $$Internet of Things$($IoT$).$

Each interconnected device needs an identifier known as an $$IP address$.($IP stands for Internet Protocol, a format for communication at the $$Network$$ layers of the Internet model.$)$

IP addresses come in two main flavors: