Internet Protocol Address is the identity of your device over the internet. Whenever you are connected to the Internet, your device is assigned a unique Internet Protocol Address, most commonly known as IP Address. It is used to not only identify all the devices that are connected to the internet but also keeps a record of your internet activity and make sure that the connection you are using is secure and there is no interference in your network.
An IP address is basically a combination of different sets of numbers that identify any device connected to the internet. No matter if you are using the Internet over your cellphone, your laptop, computer, gaming console, or some other device that can be connected to the Internet. It will have an IP address assigned to it.
It is like a digital phone number that has a certain country, area, and ISP codes embedded into it for better classification of data and organizing all the systems that are connected to the internet efficiently. The IP address can change and to understand if your IP Address Changes with WIFI, you need to understand what IP Address is, how it works, and what factors it depends on.
Does IP Address Change With WiFi?
Composition of IP Address:
Any IP address comprises of 4 sets of values. These values play a key role and have some information that relates to actual circumstances. The first two sets are depending on the network provider and they will signify the country you are in, and which network provider you are using. The latter two parts depend on the host.
These numbers contain the information on which OS and browser you are using, along with the information on your device type and screen size you are using to access the browser. These numbers have a high tendency to change and sometimes you might see them changing on their own accord without any evident change on your network. However, they are accurate most of the time and you might get the same IP address if you connect over the same network.
Factors that the IP Address is Based On
There are certain factors that play a key role in the composition of an IP address. Any IP address is based on the following factors and it may change with all or any one of the factors that are changed. Hence, if you switch your phone or any of the factors that are mentioned below, your IP address might change.
1. Service Provider:
The Service provides you are using to access the Internet plays a vital role in your IP address. You are getting access to the Internet through a service provider that uses fiber optics to connect to a certain access point of their own and then they are all connected to the satellite.
Hence, your service provider and the location you are at are shown in the IP address in the first two sets of numbers. You may notice that wherever you are in a specific country, the first two sets might remain the same if you are not using any proxy.
2. Device That You Are Using:
Any device that you are using to connect to the internet has its own specifications. The last two sets are comprised of the information entailing these specifications regarding the host. Therefore, if you are on the same WiFi but you are connected with some other device, you might see a significant change in the last two sets of IP address numbers. These changes depend on OS, screen specifications, and other hardware components that are on the device you are using to access the Internet.
3. WiFi Router:
Your WiFi router also plays a major role in the composition of your IP Address. Your WiFi Router is assigned a specific IP address from the Internet Service Provider you are using. The router then assigns the IP addresses of its own to all the devices that are connected to the Internet through that router.
This way, all these IPs are assigned by the router and each device carries a different IP address. Your router is linked with your ISP IP address and over the internet, you will be connected through either the IP address that is assigned by the router or slightly different IP address than that is assigned to your router by the ISP.
Now, as we are clear on the composition of the IP address, how it works, and what factors are involved that can cause a change to the IP address of a certain device. Now, it is time to have a look at the most common types of IP addresses and get an idea of what are their features.
Dynamic IP Address:
Most Internet Service providers and WiFi routers provide you a dynamic IP address. That means that your IP address keeps changing over time. There is a possibility that you are connected to the internet and don’t do anything, but the ISP or your router will automatically assign you a new IP address that is more convenient and faster.
This is the perfect way for most domestic users who don’t require to have a static IP address for security reasons. This way, you can get the best internet access and you don’t have to worry about an IP address as it will keep changing to the best available IP address automatically.
Static IP Address:
However, for banks, offices, or other corporations that are dealing with sensitive information and cannot afford to have different IP addresses, it is important to have a static IP address. A static IP address is provided to you over a dedicated line and it is ensured that you are given the highest possible internet speed from the ISP.
A static IP address does not change and you can enjoy more stable and secure Internet access over a Static IP address. However, if you are connected over a static IP, your router might assign each device a new IP address locally but over the Internet, your IP address will remain the same.