What is an IP address?

An IP address is indeed a unique identifier for devices on a network. It serves as a critical part of the Internet Protocol, allowing devices to locate and communicate with one another over a network, whether on a local area network (LAN) or the internet. Each device connected to a network is assigned a distinct IP address, ensuring that data sent over the network can be accurately routed to its destination. This unique identification is essential for the functionality of various network applications and protocols, enabling devices to be recognized and facilitating the exchange of information.

Other choices describe different aspects of networking; for example, a routing protocol involves the procedures and rules that devices use to determine the best path for data to travel across the network. Network security protocols refer to methods used to protect data and maintain confidentiality and integrity, while hardware components are the physical devices that make up a network. However, none of these alternatives define what an IP address is, reinforcing that an IP address is specifically a unique identifier for devices on a network.