A device's or resource's numerical address as expressed in the format specified in the Internet Protocol. Note 1: In the current addressing format, IP version 4 (IPv4,) an IP address is a 32-bit sequence divided into four groups of decimal numbers separated by periods ("dots",) commonly referred to as "dotted decimals. " The IP address of a device is made up of two parts: the number of the network to which it is connected, and a sequence representing the specific device within that network. An IP address may be used on private intranets, as well as The Internet. Note 2: Due to inefficiencies that have arisen in address assignment, available IPv4 addresses are nearly exhausted. A newer version of IP addressing (IP version 6, consisting of a 128-bit numerical sequence) is currently being developed. Synonyms Internet address, IP number.