Special, Public and Private IP Addresses

Private IP Addresses:
10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255
These IP Addresses can only be used on private networks or LANs (Local Area Networks) without any special authorization. These IP are not routable on the Public internet.

Special IP Addresses:
127.0.0.1

Or any address that begins with 127 is considered a loop back address. The address is actually yourself or the computer that is making the request. It is also equivalent to being the 'local host'.
224.0.0.1 - 239.255.255.255

Is used for multicast and cannot be assigned to a computer.
240.0.0.0

And higher is used for experimental purposes only.
169.254.0.0-169.254.255.255

If the computer can't get an IP from the DHCP server, the Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) provides this address that will not conflict with routable addresses. Read further for more of an explanation.
Why do I get 169.254.x.x IP?
Symptom: The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) has reserved 169.254.0.0-169.254.255.255 for Automatic Private IP Addressing.
Resolutions:

1. Make sure you have a good connection.
2. Check the hardware and settings.
3. Make sure the DHCP is working.
4. For testing, you can assign static IP. If a static IP works, it is a possible DHCP issue. If a static IP doesn't work, check the hardware or connection.

Special IP Addresses:
All other IP addresses are public. These public IP's are also referred to as being legal, registered or legit IP addresses. These addresses are what is used on the public internet and are governed by a group called ARIN, the American Registry for Internet Numbers. To use a public IP address, you must either get them from your Internet provider, or you can buy them directly from ARIN, but you must justify their use in order to obtain them