What is the consequence of two devices on the network sharing a single IP address?

When two devices on a network share a single IP address, an IP conflict occurs. This situation arises because each device on a network is assigned a unique IP address to ensure accurate data delivery. When two devices attempt to use the same address, it creates confusion for the network's routing system.

As a result, packets sent to that IP address may end up at one device while the other device does not receive any data, leading to communication failures between the devices. This conflict can disrupt network operations, leading to symptoms such as inability to connect to certain services and overall erratic network behavior. Identifying and resolving IP conflicts is crucial for maintaining a stable network environment, as it ensures that each device can communicate without interruption.

The other potential consequences, such as data loss or network slowdown, are secondary effects that may arise from consistent IP conflicts but are not the direct result of devices sharing an IP address. Increased security risks is also a peripheral concern, as conflicts do not inherently lead to security breaches, but might complicate network management and monitoring.