What is the purpose of an IP address?

An IP address serves the fundamental role of identifying a specific device within a network. Every device that connects to a network or the internet requires a unique IP address, allowing it to send and receive data correctly. This identification is crucial for the proper routing of data packets from one device to another across both local networks and the broader internet.

Without an IP address, devices would not be able to discern where to send information or how to access other devices, leading to communication breakdowns. This is analogous to having a unique home address that allows postal services to deliver mail precisely to its intended destination.

The other options pertain to different aspects of networking or device function but do not define the core purpose of an IP address. For instance, encryption pertains to security, network speed involves bandwidth management, and connecting to peripherals deals with hardware connections rather than addressing identification on a network.