Where should I start if I know nothing about networks?

Start with What Is an IP Address?, then Public vs Private IP. Together they explain the two addresses every device has, which is the base of everything else. IPv4, IPv6 and static vs dynamic come next.

Do the guides check my own connection?

Yes. Most guides show a small live box with your own IP address, provider, IPv6 status or proxy headers, so you can see the topic on your own connection. Nothing is stored.

Are the VPN recommendations sponsored?

No. The site has no affiliate deals with VPN providers and earns nothing from the links in the VPN guide. The site is funded by ads.

Networking Basics Guides — IP Addresses, VPNs and Routers

Networking basics in plain words, each with a live check of your own connection.

These guides explain what an IP address is and its kinds, how VPNs and proxies change what websites see, and how to reach your router. Each one answers the question first, then shows the topic on your own connection and links to the tools that go further.

11 guides · no account · last reviewed November 2026

Start here

New to networks? Read these five in order.

What is an IP address?the address websites see, and the one at home
Public vs private IPwhy your router shares one address
What is IPv4?the four numbers, and why they ran out
What is IPv6?the long address, and whether you have it
Static vs dynamic IPwhy your IP changes, and when that matters

IP address basics

What an IP address is, and its kinds

5 guides

What Is an IP Address?

Your public and private IP in plain words, with your own address shown live.

Public vs Private IP

The difference, every private and special range, and a checker for any address.

What Is IPv4?

How the four numbers work, classes and CIDR, with your own IPv4 decoded.

What Is IPv6?

Why IPv6 exists, how to read it, and whether your connection has it.

Static vs Dynamic IP

Which one you have, why it changes, and when a static IP is worth paying for.

Tools for this topic: What Is My IP · Public or private IP · IP validator · Subnet calculator

Privacy

Hide or change the IP websites see

4 guides

What Is a VPN?

How a VPN works, what it hides and doesn't, and how to choose one, with no affiliate links.

What Is a Proxy Server?

Proxies vs VPNs, the kinds of proxy, and the proxy headers on your own request.

How to Hide Your IP Address

Every way to hide it, what each one leaks, and a live “is my IP hidden?” check.

How to Change Your IP Address

On a router, phone or computer, why it sometimes doesn't change (CGNAT), and a live check.

Tools for this topic: VPN and proxy checker · WebRTC leak test · Browser fingerprint · My location

Home network

Your router and local network

2 guides

How to Find Your Router IP Address

Steps for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android and Linux, starting with your own device.

What Is 192.168.1.1?

Log in to your router, default passwords by brand, and what to change first.

Tools for this topic: Port checker · Ping · What Is My ISP · Speed test

Which Guide Answers My Question?

Question	Guide
What is my IP address, and why do I have two?	What Is an IP Address?
Is 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x a real internet address?	Public vs Private IP
Do I have IPv6, and does it matter?	What Is IPv6?
Why does my IP address keep changing?	Static vs Dynamic IP
Do I need a VPN, and which one?	What Is a VPN?
What's the difference between a proxy and a VPN?	What Is a Proxy Server?
How do I stop websites seeing my real IP?	How to Hide Your IP Address
How do I get a new IP address?	How to Change Your IP Address
What is my router's address?	How to Find Your Router IP Address
How do I log in to my router?	What Is 192.168.1.1?

How These Guides Are Written

Checked against the sources: the IETF standards (RFCs), the IANA address registries and the vendors' own documentation, linked in each guide.
Shown on your connection: the live boxes use the same lookups as the site's tools (MaxMind GeoLite2 for the network, your browser for the rest). Nothing is stored.
No sponsored advice: no affiliate deals with VPN or router companies. The site is funded by ads.
Kept up to date: each guide shows when it was last reviewed. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Network Guides