What is a private IP address?

A private IP address is specifically designed for use within a local area network (LAN) and is not routable on the public internet. This means that devices on a private network can communicate with each other but are not directly accessible from the broader internet, which provides an additional layer of security. Private IP addresses are defined by standards set by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and typically fall within specific ranges, such as 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255, 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255, and 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe a private IP address. Public data transport relates to addresses that can be routed on the internet, while broadband connections do not specifically relate to the classification of private versus public IP addresses. Additionally, IP addresses can be dynamic or static; thus, it is inaccurate to say that a private IP address is always static, as it can also be assigned dynamically through methods like DHCP. This flexibility in usage is essential for efficient network management within private networks.