What Is IP Address?
An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a numerical label assigned to every device connected to the internet. IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.1, while IPv6 addresses look like 2001:0db8::1. Domain names are translated to IP addresses by DNS.
Why It Matters
IP addresses are the actual network addresses that route traffic on the internet. Domain names are human-readable labels that DNS translates to IP addresses. For domain forwarding, you need to point your domain’s DNS records to the forwarding server’s IP address.
IP Address Types
| Type | Format | Example | DNS Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPv4 | 32-bit, dot-decimal | 93.184.216.34 | A record |
| IPv6 | 128-bit, hex-colon | 2606:2800:220:1:248:1893:25c8:1946 | AAAA record |
How IP Addresses Relate to Forwarding
1. User types: old-domain.com
2. Browser asks DNS: What's the IP for old-domain.com?
3. DNS responds: 93.184.216.34 (Domain Forward's server)
4. Browser connects to 93.184.216.34
5. Domain Forward responds: 301 → https://new-domain.comThe A record (or AAAA record) in your domain’s DNS zone points to Domain Forward’s IP address. All traffic for your domain arrives at our servers, where it’s redirected.
Static vs Dynamic IPs
| IP Type | Changes? | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Static | Never | Servers, forwarding targets |
| Dynamic | Periodically | Home internet, mobile |
Domain Forward uses static IP addresses — your DNS A record always points to the same IP.
Related Terms
Related Features
Frequently
asked questions
Sometimes. If you're pointing your domain to Domain Forward using an A record, you'll use our IP address. If using a CNAME, you use a hostname instead. The setup guide will specify which.
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses (4.3 billion possible) and is running out. IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (virtually unlimited). Domain Forward supports both through A records (IPv4) and AAAA records (IPv6).
Still Confused? Try It Free.
Set up your first domain forward in under 5 minutes. Free plan includes 5 domains.