What is the function of IP address in networking?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique identifier assigned to each device connected to a network that uses the IP for communication. It serves two main functions: identifying the host or network interface and providing the location of the host in the network. This unique ID allows devices to locate and communicate with each other over an IP-based network, ensuring that data sent across the network reaches the correct destination.

References:

Cisco DevNet Associate Study Guide: IP Addressing (Chapter 4, Section: IP Addressing and Subnetting).