Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

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Enhance your readiness for the AP Computer Science exam with insightful quizzes. Deepen your understanding and master key concepts as you prepare for a successful test experience!

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Which of the following best explains the function of an IP address?

To improve system performance
To uniquely identify a device on a network
To enhance cybersecurity measures
To facilitate file sharing between users

The correct answer is: To uniquely identify a device on a network

The function of an IP address is to uniquely identify a device on a network. Each device that connects to a network, whether it’s the internet or a local area network, is assigned a specific IP address, which serves as an identifier. This way, other devices can locate and communicate with it effectively. The uniqueness ensures that data sent over the network reaches the correct device without confusion. By assigning a distinct address to each device, traffic can be routed efficiently, allowing for reliable communication between devices, whether they are sending emails, streaming videos, or accessing web pages. This fundamental role of an IP address is integral to the functioning of the internet and networking in general, enabling everything from simple communications to complex interactions among multiple systems.