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What Is My Hostname & IP Address?

Your Hostname and IP Address

What is a Hostname?

A hostname is a unique label or name assigned to a computer or node on a network. On the internet, it usually correlates to a domain name, such as "my-ipv4-address.com" or as an internet user: "user321141.yourprovider.net". This name is essential for identifying devices and organizing network traffic. Let's delve into the two types of hostnames you should be familiar with: the internet hostname and the local hostname.

Internet Hostname vs. Local Hostname

Internet Hostname

The internet hostname is an identifier assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This hostname is often linked to your IP address and provides a way for websites and services to identify your device on the internet. For instance, when you access a website, your internet hostname helps the site know where the request is coming from.

An internet hostname might include components of the ISP's name, along with additional identifiers. It can also correspond with a reverse DNS entry, which associates the IP address back to the hostname.

Local Hostname

In contrast, the local hostname is the name assigned to your device within your local network. This name is used for communication between devices in the same network, like "Johns-MacBook-Pro" or "Office-PC". The local hostname is crucial for network management, enabling devices within homes or offices to interact seamlessly.

How to Find Your Local Hostname

Finding your local hostname is a straightforward process and varies slightly depending on your operating system (it could differ a bit per version, so always check out the latest manual of your operating system):

For Windows Users:

  1. Open the Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Start menu search bar and selecting the Command Prompt.
  2. Type the command hostname and press Enter.
  3. Your local hostname will be displayed on the next line.

For Mac Users:

  1. Open the Terminal application. You can find it in Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
  2. Type the command hostname and press Enter.
  3. Your local hostname will be displayed in the Terminal window.

For Linux Users:

  1. Open your Terminal application.
  2. Type the command hostname and press Enter.
  3. Your local hostname will be shown in the Terminal.

Understanding the difference between your internet hostname and local hostname can provide valuable insights into how your device interacts with both the broader internet and your local network. The internet hostname helps identify your device for online services, while the local hostname is vital for managing and troubleshooting within your local network.

Use our

widget to quickly find out your internet hostname and start exploring the digital identity of your device today!

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