Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

• Explain what an IP address is and why it is required.
• Differentiate between IPv4 and IPv6.
• Distinguish public and private IP addresses.
• Explain static and dynamic IP addressing.
• Understand DHCP and how devices obtain IP addresses.
• Describe loopback and APIPA addresses.
• Explain the relationship between IP addresses and MAC addresses.
• Understand how IP addressing is used in cloud environments.
• Apply these concepts to real-world DevOps scenarios.

Introduction

Imagine asking a courier to deliver a package but saying only:

"Take it to John."

The courier would immediately ask:

• Which John?
• Where does he live?
• What is his address?