What is the primary purpose of the IP address in a network?

The primary purpose of an IP address in a network is to identify devices on the network. Each device connected to a network requires a unique identifier so that data can be accurately transmitted to and from the correct destination. The IP address serves as that identifier, allowing devices to communicate effectively by specifying where data packets should be sent and received.

In addition to identification, an IP address also facilitates routing, ensuring that data is directed through the correct paths in the network infrastructure. This functionality is essential in both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), enabling seamless connectivity and communication among diverse devices.

While other choices touch on aspects related to networking, they do not directly define the core purpose of an IP address. For instance, segmenting network traffic is more related to how data is managed within the network rather than to device identification, and enforcing security policies or managing bandwidth involves different mechanisms that work in conjunction with, but are not the primary function of, IP addresses.