What Is an IP Address? A Quick Guide for Customers
Introduction
An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique numerical identifier that identifies every device connected to the internet. It works much like a digital home address, helping online services send information to the correct place.
What an IP Address Does
IP addresses perform two key functions:
- Identify your device on a network
- Provide its network location so data can be delivered correctly
Without an IP address, a device cannot communicate online.
Types of IP Addresses
There are two main formats:
- IPv4 — the original and most widely used format (e.g., 192.0.2.1)
- IPv6 — a newer format designed to support a larger number of devices
For access to our services, we only accept IPv4 addresses.
IPv6 addresses cannot be registered or used for authentication.
You may also encounter:
- Public IP addresses — visible to the internet
- Private IP addresses — used within your home or institutional network
How to Locate Your IP Address
To check the IP address your institution is currently using to access our platform, visit:
https://iopscience.iop.org/checkup
This page automatically displays the IP address detected by our system.
Why IP Addresses Matter for Access
Many institutions use IP authentication to provide seamless access to subscribed online content. When your public IPv4 address matches an approved institutional range, access is granted automatically.
If your institution needs to register or update its IP addresses, your administrator may be asked to provide them to our Customer Service Team.
For a clearer explanation of how IP addresses work and why they matter for access, take a look at our ‘IP Address Glossary’ article. It breaks down the key terms and concepts so you can understand exactly what’s happening behind the scenes.
If you have any further questions, please contact our Customer Service team.