What is a public IP address?

A public IP address is an address that is routable on the internet and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This means that it is visible to anyone who connects to the internet, which is why the correct answer states that a public IP address is one that anyone can view. These addresses are typically assigned by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and are necessary for devices to communicate over the global internet.

While the option referring to a local network suggests a private IP address, which is not accessible externally, it emphasizes the distinction between public and private addressing. The choice concerning modifying the address highlights how many users do not have the capability to change a public IP address. Furthermore, describing a permanent IP address might suggest a static IP, which is a specific type of public IP, but it does not encompass the entirety of what a public IP signifies. Therefore, the characteristic of being universally viewable directly aligns with the definition and function of public IP addresses in networking.