Final answer:
Every device connected to a network has a unique identifier known as an IP address, which is necessary for identifying the device and for communication on the network. These IP addresses can be either static or dynamic and are essential for routing network traffic.
Step-by-step explanation:
All devices connected to a network have a unique address assigned to them, known as a Network Address. In most cases, this refers to an IP address (Internet Protocol address), which is a numeric label given to each device connected to a computer network that uses the IP for communication. An IP address serves two main functions: it identifies the host or network interface, and it provides the location of the host in the network, thereby enabling the establishment of a path to that host.
IP addresses can be static, meaning they do not change and are assigned manually, or dynamic, meaning they are assigned by a server (such as a DHCP server) whenever a device connects to the network. Understanding IP addresses is crucial for network configuration, troubleshooting, and ensuring that the network traffic can be properly routed to and from devices on the network.