Before reading any of the below information, you need to be aware of some network basics.
- Know the difference between a static IP address and a dynamic IP address. See each link for additional information about each of these terms.
- When on the Internet, it is up to your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
to assign and give you your network address seen by the Internet. When
on a local network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) the home or
corporate router assigns the IP addresses.
- If you're planning on designating or using a static IP address, you should be aware of how IP address ranges are handled and be familiar with the netmask. See each of these links for additional information.
Changing your Internet IP address
When connecting to the Internet
over a dial-up
Modem,
your ISP will assign your computer an address each time you connect.
This means that often each time you connect you'll have a different IP
address. If you're wanting to change your IP address, try disconnecting
and reconnecting.
If you're assigned the same address, disconnect for a few minutes and
then
reconncect.
Broadband service providers will assign your computer or home network a static IP
address. If you're connected to a broadband network and need to change your
IP address try following the below steps.
Disconnect power to broadband modem
Getting a new IP address may be as simple as disconnecting
the power to your broadband modem. Disconnect the power from the modem and
leave it disconnected for a few minutes. If you have a network
router connected to the modem, we also
suggest disconnecting the power to the router.
If disconnecting the power to the modem and router did not
work it may still be saved in your router configuration. Try releasing and
renewing the Internet IP Address for the router. Steps on how to do this can
vary depending on the router. However, is often done through the Status or
setup in the router setup.
Tip: The
Internet IP Address is not the 192.168.xxx.xxx address.
- How do I adjust the settings of my home router?
Leave it disconnected over night
If the above two suggestions do not work, disconnect the
power to the modem and router (if applicable) and leave them disconnected
overnight or for as long as possible.
Contact the ISP
Finally, if all of the above suggestions still prevent you
from changing your IP address it's possible the ISP may have a long lease
settings that prevents a new IP address from being assigned unless it is
abandoned for days. In this situation, its usually easiest to contact the
ISP to get the IP address changed.
Changing your home network IP address
To change or specify the IP address of your computer for your own local area network (LAN),
follow the below steps. Keep in mind that if you're connecting to the
Internet with a broadband connection, adjusting your network settings
may cause issues with your broadband connection. Finally, if your home
network is setup through a network router, that router could be
assigning your computer dynamic IP addresses, and specifying a static IP
address may cause issues.
- Get to the Microsoft Windows desktop.
- Right-click on My Network Places or Network Neighborhood and click Properties.
- Right-click on Local Area Connection and click Properties.
- Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties. If this is not present, you'll need to install this protocol.
- In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window, select "Use the following IP address" if not already selected and specify the new IP address you wish to use. While entering this data, you'll also need to specify the subnet mask and default gateway.
The
below information is for how to specify and adjust your network
settings through the command prompt. Changing your network settings will
require root access.
- Get to the command prompt.
- Move to the /etc/sysconfig/network directory.
- Edit the interfaces file and adjust your network settings in this file.
Can someone else change my IP address?
Someone
who's outside your home network and does not have access to your
network router cannot change your IP address.
Do not be concerned about your computers security if your IP address
has changed, it's more likely that it's normal behavior than an attack.