Which IP Address to Avoid in Your Private Network – Practical Tips

If you’re setting up a private network, it’s important to know which IP addresses you should avoid using. One IP address block that should not be utilized for private networks is 100.64.0.0/10. This address range was assigned by IANA in April 2012 and is intended for use in carrier grade NAT scenarios, not private or public networks. To ensure that your private network operates efficiently and securely, it’s crucial to choose an appropriate IP address range. Some IP ranges that can be used for private networks include:

10.0.0.0/8

172.16.0.0/12

192.168.0.0/16

By selecting an appropriate IP address range for your private network, you can ensure that your devices can communicate with each other without interference from outside networks. It’s also important to note that using an incorrect IP address range can result in conflicts with other networks and may compromise your security.

An Overview of IP Addresses

IP addresses are a unique identifier for devices that connect to the internet. These addresses are used to route data between devices and networks, and without them, the internet would not exist. Every device that connects to the internet is assigned an IP address, which is a numerical code that identifies the device’s location. There are two main types of IP addresses: public and private. Public IP addresses are assigned by internet service providers (ISPs) and are used to route data between different networks. Private IP addresses, on the other hand, are used within private networks and are assigned by the network administrator. Private IP addresses are not accessible from the internet, and are used to ensure communication between devices within a private network.

Understanding Private Networks

A private network is a network that is used within an organization or a group of individuals. Private networks are used to share resources and communicate between devices that belong to a particular group. These networks are typically more secure than public networks, as access to the network is restricted to authorized users and devices. Private networks are used in a variety of settings, including home networks, small businesses, and enterprise organizations. In these networks, devices are assigned private IP addresses, which are used to communicate between devices within the network.

The Importance of IP Addresses in Private Networks

IP addresses are a critical component of private networks. These addresses are used to identify devices within the network and route data between devices. Without proper IP addressing, devices would not be able to communicate with each other and share resources within the network. In private networks, IP addresses are typically assigned manually by the network administrator. This ensures that each device on the network has a unique IP address, which is necessary for proper communication within the network.

IANA’s Assignment of IP Address Block 100.64.0.0/10

In April of 2012, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) assigned the address block 100.64.0.0/10 to be used for carrier grade NAT scenarios. This address block is not intended to be used in private networks or in public networks. Many network administrators may not be aware of this assignment and may inadvertently use this IP address block within their private networks. This can lead to potential issues and security risks within the network.

Carrier Grade NAT Scenarios

Carrier grade NAT (CGN) is a technology used by ISPs to conserve public IP addresses. This technology allows multiple private IP addresses to share a single public IP address, which helps conserve public IP addresses and reduce the overall costs of providing internet services. The IP address block 100.64.0.0/10 was assigned specifically for use in carrier grade NAT scenarios, and should not be used in any other context.

Why You Should Not Use the IP Address Block 100.64.0.0/10 in Private Networks

There are several reasons why you should not use the IP address block 100.64.0.0/10 in private networks. First and foremost, this address block is not intended for use in private networks, and doing so can lead to potential issues and security risks within the network. Additionally, using this address block can lead to conflicts with other networks that are using this address block for carrier grade NAT scenarios. This can lead to communication issues and data loss within the network.

Potential Risks and Consequences of Using Blocked IP Addresses

Using blocked IP addresses in private networks can lead to a variety of potential risks and consequences. These include:

• Data loss: Using blocked IP addresses can lead to data loss within the network, as devices are unable to communicate effectively.
• Network conflicts: Using blocked IP addresses can lead to conflicts with other networks that are using the same address block for carrier grade NAT scenarios.
• Security risks: Using blocked IP addresses can lead to potential security risks within the network, as unauthorized users may be able to access the network and its resources.

Conclusion and Recommendations for Private Network IP Address Usage

In conclusion, it is important to use proper IP addressing techniques when setting up private networks. The IP address block 100.64.0.0/10 should not be used in private networks, as it is intended for use in carrier grade NAT scenarios. To ensure proper IP addressing, network administrators should use private IP address ranges that are reserved for use within private networks, such as 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, or 192.168.0.0/16. By using proper IP addressing techniques, network administrators can ensure that devices within the private network are able to communicate effectively and securely.