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An IP hopper is an unregistered or anonymous editor whose IP address changes. Mostly this would be completely outside the user's control. Some ISPs automatically assign their users a different IP address with every edit. Others may change IP address every few minutes, every few hours, every few days, or less frequently. A small number of users will keep a static IP address for many years. Users may additionally use different networks at home, at work, etc.
IP users and registered users are considered equal in status and discrimination is frowned upon when it comes to conduct and online behavior. This is wikiquette for ensuring healthy project contributions.
Some users change their IP address deliberately by resetting or changing their Internet connection. Often this might be to avoid stalking, but in a small number of cases it is done to avoid blocks or to make abusive edits without cross-check.
IPv6 addresses are expected to change frequently, though a small number may remain relatively static. Typically a user will be assigned a block of addresses for a period of time; contributions may be seen by looking at contributions from the range. In many cases this can be done by appending /64 to the address.