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You have probably seen this number before: 185.63.253.300. Perhaps you’ve seen it in an error message, a forum post or somewhere else. Here’s the thing- this isn’t an actual IP address that works on the internet.
The explanation is simple: that final number “300” is against the fundamental nature of the ip address. Both the parts should have a value between 0 and 255. Because 300 is more than 255, the whole address becomes useless.
What Makes an IP Address Valid?

IP addresses work like postal addresses for computers. When I want to send data to another computer, I need its exact IP address to reach it.
A standard IP address has four numbers separated by dots:
- 192.168.1.1
- 10.0.0.1
- 172.16.0.254
Each number must stay between 0 and 255. No exceptions. This rule exists because of how computers store and process these addresses internally.
Why 185.63.253.300 Fails?
Look at our problem address: 185.63.253.300
- First number: 185 ✓ (valid)
- Second number: 63 ✓ (valid)
- Third number: 253 ✓ (valid)
- Fourth number: 300 ✗ (invalid – too big)
That 300 ruins everything. It’s like trying to dial a phone number with 15 digits when the system only accepts 10. The network equipment sees this address and immediately rejects it.
What Happens When You Use Invalid Addresses?
I’ve tested invalid addresses like 185.63.253.300 many times. Here’s what occurs:
Your router throws an error message like “Invalid IP address” or “Network unreachable.” The connection fails before it even starts. No data gets sent anywhere.
This protection prevents broken addresses from causing network problems. Without these checks, invalid addresses could crash systems or send data to wrong places.
Common Sources of Invalid IP Addresses
Most invalid addresses come from these mistakes:
- Typing errors: Someone meant to type 185.63.253.200 but accidentally added an extra zero, creating 185.63.253.300.
- Software bugs: Programs sometimes generate addresses without checking if they’re valid first.
- Copy-paste errors: People copy incomplete or corrupted addresses from documents or websites.
- Learning mistakes: New users don’t know the 0-255 rule yet.
How to Spot Invalid IP Addresses?
I use this quick check method:
- Count the parts – should be exactly 4 numbers
- Check each number – must be 0 to 255
- Look for dots – should be exactly 3 dots separating the numbers
- No letters or symbols – only numbers and dots allowed
Examples:
- 192.168.1.1 → Valid
- 10.0.0.256 → Invalid (256 is too big)
- 185.63.253.300 → Invalid (300 is too big)
- 172.16.1 → Invalid (only 3 parts)
The Technical Reason Behind the 255 Limit
IP addresses get stored as binary numbers in computer memory. Each part of the address uses exactly 8 bits of data.
With 8 bits, you can only represent numbers from 0 to 255:
- 00000000 = 0
- 11111111 = 255
There’s no way to store 300 in just 8 bits. You’d need 9 bits, which breaks the standard format that all internet equipment expects.
What the Real Address Might Be?
Since 185.63.253.300 doesn’t work, what was the intended address? Without knowing the original source, I can guess:
- 185.63.253.200 (removed one zero)
- 185.63.253.30 (meant 30, not 300)
- 185.63.253.100 (common ending pattern)
The first three parts (185.63.253) suggest this belongs to a specific internet provider or organization. Only the last part needs fixing.
Other Invalid Addresses I’ve Encountered
Here are patterns I see regularly:
- Numbers over 255: 192.168.1.256, 10.0.0.500, 172.16.1.999
- Too many parts: 192.168.1.1.1, 10.0.0.1.100
- Letters mixed in: 192.168.1.A, 10.0.0.X
- Missing parts: 192.168.1, 10.0
All of these fail for different reasons, but they all get rejected by network equipment.
Why This Matters for Regular Users?
Understanding IP addresses helps you:
- Troubleshoot internet problems: When your connection fails, you can check if IP settings are correct.
- Set up home networks: Routers, printers, and smart devices all need proper IP addresses.
- Talk to tech support: You can describe network problems more clearly and understand solutions better.
- Stay secure online: Many privacy tools and security features involve IP addresses.
How Networks Handle Bad Addresses?
When I try using 185.63.253.300, here’s the rejection process:
- My computer checks the address format first
- If it spots the invalid number, it stops and shows an error
- If somehow the address gets through, the router catches it
- Network equipment further down the line also checks and rejects it
This multi-layer protection keeps bad addresses from breaking the internet infrastructure.
Real-World Impact of Invalid Addresses
Invalid IP addresses cause real problems:
- Failed connections: Applications can’t reach their intended destinations.
- Network errors: Systems waste time trying to process impossible addresses.
- Security gaps: Some security tools might not handle invalid addresses properly.
- User confusion: People see error messages without understanding the cause.
Learning Your Own IP Address
You can find your current IP address using these methods:
- Online tools: Search “what is my IP address” and many websites will show it.
- Command line: Type “ipconfig” on Windows or “ifconfig” on Mac/Linux.
- Router settings: Log into your router’s admin panel to see all connected devices.
- Network settings: Check your computer’s network configuration panel.
Private vs Public IP Addresses
Not all IP addresses work the same way:
- Private addresses (like 192.168.1.1): Only work inside your local network. Your router assigns these to devices in your home.
- Public addresses (like 185.63.253.200): Work across the entire internet. Your internet provider assigns these.
Both types must follow the same 0-255 rule, so 185.63.253.300 fails as either private or public.
Future of IP Addresses
The internet is running out of traditional IP addresses. That’s why we’re slowly moving to IPv6, which uses a completely different format with much longer addresses.
- IPv6 addresses look like this: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
These can handle way more devices, but they’re much harder to remember and type. For now, most of the internet still uses the old format where 255 is the maximum.
Testing IP Address Validity
Here’s how to test if an address works:
- Ping test: Use the “ping” command to see if a computer responds at that address.
- Web browser: Try typing the IP address directly into your browser’s address bar.
- Network scanner: Use tools that check ranges of IP addresses automatically.
- Router logs: Check your router’s logs to see which addresses actually connect.
Prevention Tips
To avoid invalid IP addresses:
- Double-check typing: Always verify addresses before using them.
- Use reliable sources: Get IP addresses from official documentation or trusted websites.
- Validate before saving: If you’re writing software, always check IP addresses before storing them.
- Keep records: Document working IP addresses so you don’t have to guess later.
Final Words
185.63.253.300 is rejected since 300 is above the maximum permitted value of 255. It’s not just some minor technical quirk — it’s a core principle that ensures the internet works the way it should.
When this address appears, you know that someone bungled. The fix is simple: Replace that 300 with a number between 0 and 255.
Knowing the one rule simplifies your ability to troubleshoot network woes, hook up devices properly, and talk intelligently to technical support when needed. The next time you come across an IP address, you will also not have to just guess whether it is valid or not.