What is the function of an IP address?

An IP address serves the critical function of uniquely identifying a device on a network. It is akin to a postal address for computers, allowing them to locate and communicate with each other over the internet or local networks. Each device connected to a network must have a unique identifier to ensure that data is directed to the correct destination. Without an IP address, it would be virtually impossible to send and receive information between devices, as there would be no way to specify the intended recipient of the data.

In the context of networking, the IP address plays a key role in routing information from one device to another. When a device wants to send a message to another device, it uses the recipient's IP address to ensure that the message arrives at the correct location. This uniqueness is critical in preventing data from being misrouted, which could lead to communication failures or data loss.