If you’re new to networking, the Internet Protocol address, also know as IP Address, can be a confusing concept. While confusing or not, IP addresses must be set up correctly in order for your network to operate correctly -- so it helps to know just a little bit about them.Think of IP addresses as virtual i.d. badges that computers use to identify themselves on the Internet and within networks. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns the IP address you use to access the Internet. Most ISPs use dynamic IP addresses -- they’re assigned on the fly to avoid some of the problems with static (fixed) IP addresses. These ISP-issued IP addresses are public IP addresses, and they can change every time you log onto the Internet. This ability is governed by a protocol known as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, or DHCP. Private IP addresses are the ones your home network system uses internally. Your ISP only sees the IP address it has issued to your router, which masks all the other devices in your network. So in order for your network to work internally -- for file sharing, let’s say -- you or your router must assign IP addresses to each of the connected devices -- computers, printers, file servers, game consoles, music systems, etc.Why would anyone want to change an IP address? Unless you’re someone who has been banned by their ISP for inappropriate use of the Internet (and we’re sure you’re not one of them), there are a few legitimate reasons for wanting a new IP address. You may have been assigned an invalid public IP address due to a malfunction of the systems at the ISP. Or, let’s say you have just installed a new router, and you want your home network to use the private IP addresses it provides, rather than the IP addresses already in use. Changing the public IP address usually requires a phone call to your ISP. The private addresses, however, can be changed relatively easily. Static private IP addresses are changed manually. Dynamic private IP addresses (those assigned on the fly) can be changed by releasing and renewing the DHCP address on the client. Or, you can simply change the status of a dynamic address to become static.In most cases, it’s best to count on your ISP, or tools like Cisco Network Magic to properly configure your systems (including IP addresses). In fact, Network Magic can even repair addressing problems that affect your ability to log on and share information between computers.