Public Vs. Private IP Addresses

Public and private IP addresses are two basic parts of your device’s identity. In simple words, the public IP address is your identity over the Internet, and the Private IP is your identity in a local network without the Internet.

Note: If your device is assigned a private IP address, then your device will not be able to access the Internet. But still, you will be able to access local network resources.

Public IP address Private IP address
Internet service provider (ISP) assigns and controls the Public IP to any device connected to the internet. Private IP addresses are provided by network devices such as

  • Routers that use NAT (network address translation).
  • Mobile/EVO hotspot, which uses type 2 NAT.
A public IP address is also called External or Global IP. A private IP address is also called an Internal or local IP.
It is required when you need to communicate outside your private network over the internet. It is required when you need to communicate within your private network. A private network may involve your home or office network.
Public IP is a unique numeric code never reused by other devices over the internet at the same time. Private IP is a non-unique numeric code. It will be unique for any private network but may be reused by other devices in other private networks.
To find a Public IP, simply type what my IP address is over Google. The desired public IP will be visible. Finding private IP is possible on your device’s internal settings by using the command “ipconfig”.
Public IP addresses are Not free Private IP addresses are totally Free
Public IP addresses cannot fall within private IP address ranges. Private IP addresses fall within private IP address ranges.
Other than reserved private IP address range are Public IP addressesExample: 8.8.8.8. Private IP address RangesClass A: 10.0.0.0 — 10.255.255.255;
Class B: 172.16.0.0 — 172.31.255.255; 
Class C: 192.168.0.0 — 192.168.255.255

Example: 10.11.12.15

Important: Before playing the multiplayer game, you need to put your public IP, but if it is dynamic, then it will change after a short period of time, and the player needs to update it shortly each time it’s time-consuming. So, in this case, static IP is more effective than dynamic. Static IP is more costly than dynamic.

Who Assigns a private IP address to our Laptops?

As we know, a Private IP address may assigned to a device even if it is not connected to the router. Who assigns this private IP address to our device (i.e., Laptop, PC).

The simple answer is, in such cases, the mobile acts as a router that assigns a private IP address to your connected device via WiFi.

Explain: When you enable Hotspot from mobile or EVO, it acts as a wireless router with DHCP. When you connect your devices (i.e., laptop) to your mobile’s Hotspot, then your mobile assigns a Private IP address to your corresponding device (such as a Tablet, PC, or laptop).

The DHCP of mobile hotspots has its own NAT, which is a Type 2, B, and Moderate one. EVO WiFi also acts as a mobile hotspot.