Private IP addressing is a scheme that reserves a range of IP addresses for use within private networks, without the need for these addresses to be globally unique or routable on the Internet. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) has defined three blocks of IP address ranges as private:10…Private IP addressing is a scheme that reserves a range of IP addresses for use within private networks, without the need for these addresses to be globally unique or routable on the Internet. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) has defined three blocks of IP address ranges as private:10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255 (Class A), 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255 (Class B), and 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255 (Class C). These private IP addresses are used for communication within local networks and cannot be directly accessed from the public Internet. To connect private networks to the public Internet, Network Address Translation (NAT) is used, which translates private IP addresses into public IP addresses at the network's edge. Private IP addressing helps conserve global IPv4 address space, improves security by limiting external visibility of internal devices, and allows for communication within local networks without requiring a unique public IP address for every device.
CompTIA Network+: Private IP Addressing Guide and Exam Tips
What is Private IP Addressing? Private IP Addressing is a method of assigning IP addresses in a private network. These addresses are used in local area networks (LANs) and are not routable on the internet.
Why is Private IP Addressing Important? Private IP Addressing is important as it allows multiple devices within a network to communicate with each other. It also conserves the limited number of global IP addresses by using NAT (Network Address Translation) to map the private IPs to a public IP for internet connectivity.
How does Private IP Addressing work? In a private network, each device is assigned a unique private IP address within the specific range. When a device communicates over the internet, its private IP is replaced with a public IP by the router using NAT.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Private IP Addressing Understand the difference between private and public IP addressing. Know the ranges of private IP addresses: 10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255, 172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255, 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255. Be aware of the role of NAT in private IP addressing. Practice questions on IP addressing to be familiar with different scenarios and be able to determine valid and invalid IP addresses.
CompTIA Network+ - Private IP Addressing Example Questions
Test your knowledge of Private IP Addressing
Question 1
A software development company is working on an application. The team needs to test the application in an environment with the private IP address 172.29.130.65. To provide a testing environment, the subnet mask should be set to allow a maximum of 1024 hosts. Which subnet mask should they use to meet the requirements?
Question 2
A local company wants to ensure all their devices use private IP addresses. Which IP address range below would be a valid private IP address for the company to use in their network?
Question 3
You are configuring a home network and notice that one of the devices has an IP address of 169.254.100.50. Which of the following issues may cause this IP address to be assigned?
🎓 Unlock Premium Access
CompTIA Network+ + ALL Certifications
🎓 Access to ALL Certifications: Study for any certification on our platform with one subscription
3164 Superior-grade CompTIA Network+ practice questions
Unlimited practice tests across all certifications
Detailed explanations for every question
CompTIA Network+: 5 full exams plus all other certification exams
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund if unsatisfied
Risk-Free: 7-day free trial with all premium features!