Editing IP Addressing (section)

== Private vs Public IP Addresses ==

There are two main types of IP addresses based on visibility:

{| class="wikitable"
! Type !! Description !! Assigned By !! Example
|-
| Private IP || Only used inside local networks (not visible on the internet) || Your router (via DHCP) || `192.168.1.10`
|-
| Public IP || Used to identify your network online (visible to the internet) || Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) || `86.157.52.21`
|}

Devices on the same local network get unique private IPs from the router, which acts as a gateway.  
However, all devices appear to the internet under a single public IP, which is assigned by your ISP.

This is why your laptop, phone, and PC at home may all show the same public IP when browsing the web, but still communicate separately using their private IPs inside your network.