An IP address is the numeric label that identifies a device on a network so traffic can reach it. Cameras and recorders use them to talk to each other. On a security network, most devices should hold a fixed or reserved address rather than drifting between leases.
IPv4 addresses are four numbers, while IPv6 uses a longer hexadecimal form. Either way, a camera without a stable address is a camera someone will eventually lose.
Private and public addresses
Private ranges such as 10.0.0.0/8 and 192.168.0.0/16 stay inside the building. A router translates them to a public address, which is why a camera is not directly reachable from outside.
Static, reserved and DHCP
A dynamic lease can change after a power cut. Reserve the address at the router or configure it statically, and record what owns which number.