An IP address is a 32-bit identifier that uniquely identifies an endpoint on an IP network. Remembering a 32-bit IP address would be a nightmare, so the address is represented as a dotted decimal notation.
Firstly, the 32 bits are grouped into four octets having 8 bits each. Secondly, the IP address is represented in a doted decimal notation, meaning that the four octets are separated by a decimal between them, which is read as a dot while reading the address. Thirdly, the octets are converted into a decimal number for easier identification, and the IP address takes the form A.B.C.D.
The following figure illustrates the steps in converting the 32 bits of an IP address into the familiar dotted decimal notation:
Figure 13: IPv4 ...
