An IP address refers to an Internet Protocol address, a set of numerical identifiers used to identify a device on a network. It can be used to determine the location of a device on the network to enable the transmission of data packets.

Among IP addresses, native IP and broadcast IP are two different types. They have clear differences in use and functionality. This article will explain in detail the difference between native IP and broadcast IP in terms of the concept of IP address, the definitions, usage scenarios and functions of native IP and broadcast IP.

1. The concept of IP address

An IP address is composed of a 32-bit binary number, usually divided into four 8-bit binary numbers separated by ".". It is divided into two parts, the network number and the host number. The network number is used to identify the network, and the host number is used to identify the device on the network. IP addresses can be divided into public IP and private IP. Public IP refers to the address that can directly access the Internet, and private IP refers to the address reserved for use within the local area network.

2. Definition of native IP and broadcast IP

a. Native IP

Native IP (Unicast IP) refers to a one-to-one unicast method, that is, a sender sends a data packet to a receiver. It is the most common type of IP address and plays an important role in network communications. A native IP address can be used to send packets to a specific destination and can also be used to receive packets from a specific source.

b. Broadcast IP

Broadcast IP refers to a one-to-many broadcast method, that is, one sender sends data packets to all devices on the network. The IP address it uses is 255.255.255.255, which is called the broadcast address. When a packet is sent to the broadcast address, all devices on the network receive the packet.

3. Usage scenarios of native IP and broadcast IP

a. Usage scenarios of native IP

Native IP is usually used for point-to-point communication, such as email, web browsing, file transfer, etc. It ensures reliable transmission of data packets as they will only be sent to specific destinations. Native IP is also commonly used for remote access and remote management, such as remote desktop control, remote server management, etc.

b. Usage scenarios of broadcast IP

Broadcast IP is usually used to send information to all devices on the network, such as network broadcasts, real-time video broadcasts, etc. It allows all devices to receive the same information at the same time, thereby enabling group sending functionality. Broadcast IP is also commonly used for network discovery and configuration. For example, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) allocates IP addresses through broadcast IP.

4. Functions of native IP and broadcast IP

a. Functions of native IP

Native IP can be used for point-to-point communication, which can ensure reliable transmission of data packets. It can also be used for remote access and remote management, such as remote desktop control, remote server management, etc. Native IP can also be used to establish virtual private networks to ensure the security of network communications.

b. Function of broadcast IP

Broadcast IP can send information to all devices on the network to realize the group sending function. It can also be used for network discovery and configuration, such as DHCP, which allocates IP addresses through broadcast IP. In addition, broadcast IP can also be used in real-time video live broadcast, network broadcast and other scenarios.

5. The difference between native IP and broadcast IP

a. Different ways of use

Native IP is a one-to-one unicast method, that is, a sender sends a data packet to a receiver. Broadcast IP is a one-to-many broadcast method, that is, one sender sends data packets to all devices on the network.

b. Different purposes

Native IP is used for point-to-point communication, which ensures reliable transmission of data packets. The broadcast IP is used to send information to all devices on the network to implement the group sending function.

c. Different addresses

Native IP uses a routable IP address that can be forwarded by a router to the target device. The broadcast IP uses the special address 255.255.255.255, which can only be propagated within the LAN and cannot be forwarded by the router.

d. Different functions

Native IP can be used for remote access and remote management, such as remote desktop control, remote server management, etc. It can also be used to establish a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure the security of network communications. Broadcast IP is mainly used for network discovery and configuration. For example, DHCP allocates IP addresses through broadcast IP. It can also be used in real-time video broadcast, network broadcast and other scenarios.

e. Different security

Since native IP is point-to-point communication, data packets will only be sent to specific destinations, so it has high security. Broadcast IP sends information to all devices and cannot control the recipients, so it is less secure.

6. Summary

Native IP and broadcast IP are two different types of IP addresses, and they have obvious differences in use and functions. Native IP is used for point-to-point communication, which can ensure reliable transmission of data packets and is often used in scenarios such as remote access and remote management. The broadcast IP is used to send information to all devices on the network to implement the group sending function. It is often used in network discovery and configuration, real-time video broadcast and other scenarios. In network communication, choosing the appropriate IP address type can better meet the needs and ensure the security of network communication.