Why do we need private IP addresses?

Private IP addresses cannot be used to access the world wide web (WWW) instead they are assigned to individual devices on a network. So you might be wondering how do we access the web then? Well we need at least one Public IP address to access the internet but with the rise of internet users it was not possible to assign a public IPv4 to each device in a network there simply isn't enough IPv4 addresses to do that hence private IP addresses were introduced.

Private IPv4 address ranges are:

• 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255 (10.0.0.0/8)
• 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255 (172.16.0.0/12)
• 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255 (192.168.0.0/16)

These address spaces were set asside for devices to connect to devices on a organization's internal network. Private IP addresses are essential for several reasons related to the structure, security, and scalability of the internet and private networks. Here's why they are necessary:

• Conservation of Public IP Addresses: IPv4, the most widely used Internet Protocol, has a limited number of available public IP addresses. Private IP addresses allow multiple devices within a private network to share a single public IP address, conserving public IP address space.
• Network Address Translation (NAT): Private IP addresses are typically used in conjunction with NAT. NAT allows a router or firewall to translate private IP addresses to a single public IP address when devices in the private network access the internet. This technique enables multiple devices with private addresses to use a single public IP address for communication with external networks.
• Enhanced Security: Using private IP addresses within a local network enhances security by providing a level of obscurity. Devices with private IP addresses are not directly reachable from the internet, reducing the exposure to potential external threats, hacking attempts, or unauthorized access.
• Isolation and Segmentation: Private IP addresses aid in isolating and segmenting parts of a network. Different segments or subnets within a larger network can use private addressing schemes, allowing network administrators to control access and manage resources efficiently.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Private IP addresses enable the creation of complex networks without the need for a large number of public IP addresses. This scalability and flexibility are particularly beneficial in large corporate networks, homes, and enterprise environments where numerous devices need to connect.

Private IP addresses are fundamental to the efficient operation of modern networks, allowing for better management of IP address resources, improved security, and the creation of complex yet manageable network infrastructures.