Which type of IP address is used for identifying devices within a specific local network?

The choice of a private IP address is correct because private IP addresses are specifically designated for use within local networks. These addresses are not routable on the internet, meaning they are confined to internal network communications. This allows devices within the same local network—such as those in a home or office—to communicate with each other without requiring internet access or a public IP address.

Private IP addresses fall within specific ranges defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) in RFC 1918, which includes ranges like 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255, 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255, and 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255. Any device using a private IP address can connect to a router that uses Network Address Translation (NAT) to access the internet while preserving the local networking structure.

Understanding the role of private IP addresses is crucial for managing a local network effectively, as they allow for the organization of devices and the implementation of security measures within that local environment. Public IP addresses, on the other hand, are utilized for devices that need to be accessible over the internet, which differentiates them from