What is the function of public IP addresses?

Public IP addresses serve the primary function of identifying devices on the global Internet. Each public IP address is unique and is assigned to a specific device or network that connects to the Internet. This allows data to be routed between networks and devices around the world effectively.

By having a public IP address, a device can communicate with other devices located anywhere on the Internet, whether it's for browsing websites, sending emails, or participating in online gaming. When a device sends data to another device, the public IP address serves as the destination that routers and switches use to guide the information through the multitude of interconnected networks to reach the correct endpoint.

In contrast, private IP addresses are used within local area networks (LANs) to identify devices within that specific network. They are not routable on the public Internet, meaning that devices with private IP addresses cannot be accessed directly from outside the local network. Other options such as enhancing security or simplifying local area network configuration are more related to network management practices or the use of certain technologies rather than the specific function of public IP addresses.