Which statement accurately describes a public IP address?

A public IP address is assigned to a device that is accessible over the internet. This means that anyone can view these addresses, as they are routable over the internet and allow devices to communicate with one another on a global scale. Public IP addresses are necessary for devices that need to interact with services and users outside of a local network.

This wide accessibility is what distinguishes a public IP address from private IP addresses, which are confined to specific local networks and are not routable on the internet. These private addresses are intended for internal use and cannot be accessed from the outside world.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify the roles of different types of IP addresses in networking and the internet’s infrastructure. Public IP addresses play a crucial role in enabling communication between devices across different networks, which is essential for browsing the web, accessing online services, and other internet-based communications.