158.63.258.200 In a digital universe, IP addresses serve to categorize devices in order to facilitate contact between networks. Every so often, a user will come across a funky looking IP such as 158.63.258.200 and wonder what the heck that is all about!? This post will tell you what this address means, why it is incorrect and how such mistakes usually occur, shed some light on IPv4 addressing in general.
What Is an IPv4 Address?
An IPv4 address is a numerical label used to identify devices connected to an IP network using the Internet Protocol. It is in dotted-decimal notation, which represents the value of an octet of a total of 4 numbers on a scale from 0 to 255 separated by dots.
An IPv4 address is typically written as follows:
192.168.1.1
An octet is an 8-bit number, so its value should be within certain range.
Valid Octet Range Explained
In order for an IPv4 address to be valid, every octet must be in the range 0-255. That’s because 8-bit binary system can only assign values ranging from 00000000 (0) to 11111111 (255).
Valid examples include:
- 8.8.8.8
- 158.63.120.45
- 255.255.255.0
If any of the name space portions is not in this size range then the entire IP address is by definition illegal.
Why 158.63.258.200 Is an Invalid IPv4 Address?
On the face of it, 158.63.258.200 looks like a valid v4 address. But the problem is with the third octect, which is 258.
Key Reason for Invalidity:
- The highest legal value for any IPv4 octet is 255
- This limit is exceeded by the number 258
- So 158.63.258.200 can not be a valid IPv4 address
- Diagram Explanation (Conceptual)
- This visual logic is helpful in understanding the matter:
- 158 . 63 . 258 . 200
- ✔ ✔ ✖ ✔
- (0–255) (0–255) (>255) (0–255)
- This all makes the address clearly bogus based on IPv4 validation rules.
- There are a few reasons why such invalid IPs appear.
Mistakes as 258 are frequently caused by mistakes of consumers or computer hardware. Some common causes include:
Typographical Errors
258 can be tricked as a typo even when a networking settings is entered in manually (instead of DHCP obtained).
Misconfigured Software or Scripts
Invalid IP values may be generated by automation scripts or poorly protected input fields with out necessary constraints.
Misunderstanding of IP Structure
Novice users figure that IP numbers have to total “infinity” so they enter bad data.
Log or Display Corruption
Occasionally then a corrupted log or display glitch will show incorrect octet values.
When is it right-to-use 158.63.258.200?
No. 158.63.258.200 is not the only address that does work, but should not:
- Assigned to a device
- Used in DNS records
- Routed on the public internet
- Accepted by networking hardware
Nearly all operating systems, routers and firewalls will reject this address.
How to fix that invalid IP address?
If you find a wrong format that looks like 158.63.258.200, just do:
- Check each octet carefully
- Make sure that all values are between 0 and 255.
- Substitute defective numbers by their correct equivalents (Example: Change 258 into 250)
- Verify the address with network tools or online IP checkers
Corrected example:
158.63.250.200
Importance of Proper IP Validation
Only valid IP addresses are allowed for:
- Network connectivity
- Server communication
- Cybersecurity
- Application stability
Incorrect IP entries can result in connection failures, misconfiguration and hours of trouble-shooting.
FAQs
“Is 158.63.258.200 a ‘good’ IP address?”
No, that’s incorrect, because the 258th octet is greater than the highest possible value (‘255’) of an IPv4 address.
What are the possible values of an IPv4 octet?
Each octet shall be within the range of 0 to 255.
Why do I get non-existant IP:s, i.e. 258?
They’re often caused by mistakes in typing, misconfigurations or absence of input validation.
Can you use the internet with an incorrect IP address?
No, the network’s gates deject bad IP and no-go alleys.
How do I correct an invalid IPv4 address?
Examine all 4 octets and verify the value to be in the range from 0–255 and fix the invalid value.
Does this affect IPv6 addresses as well?
No, IPv6 is a whole different ballgame and the 0–255-8-octet rule does not apply to it in any way.
Conclusion
One invalid IPv4 address based on an octet being out of range is 158.63.258.200. Knowing the structure of an IPv4 address and that each octet falling below 0, or above 255 are some key tools in preventing mistakes such as these. Through the use of good validation and awareness, people and administrators can protect themselves against network misconfigurations including a much smoother digital communication service.
