Guide on Changing a Router’s IP Address within Private Ranges

In many cases, a router's default IP address is set to a common one such as 192.188.1.12. While you can change this, there are some essential considerations. This article will guide you on how to change your router’s IP address to a suitable private IP address, ensuring your network remains operational.

Understanding Private IP Address Ranges

When changing a router’s IP address, it's crucial to understand the private IP address ranges defined by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). These private ranges are:

10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255

It’s important to note that the address you mentioned (192.188.1.12) is not a private IP address. Instead, it falls within a public range. You should choose a private IP address such as 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or any other unused address within the private ranges.

Accessing Router Settings

To change the IP address, you need to access your router’s administrative interface. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Enter the Current IP Address: Open a web browser and enter the current IP address of your router (usually 192.188.1.1 or a similar address) into the address bar. Enter Username and Password: If prompted, enter the administrator username and password to access the router’s settings. Locate LAN Settings: Navigate to the LAN settings section or a similar area in your router’s configuration menu. Change the IP Address: Find the field for the router’s IP address and change it to your desired private IP address. Save and Restart: Save the changes and, if required, restart your router.

Ensuring Proper Network Configuration

After changing the router’s IP address, ensure that:

Your Devices are Configured: If your devices are set to a static IP, they should be configured to use the new IP address. Your DHCP Server: If DHCP is enabled, ensure it assigns IP addresses in the correct range that matches the new subnet.

Accessing the Router After the Change

Remember that after changing the router’s IP address, you will need to use the new IP address to access the router’s administrative interface.

Important Considerations:

No Change to Public IP Address: Notably, changing the internal IP address of the router does not affect your public IP address assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Operational Considerations: While changing the IP address, it’s vital to ensure that your network remains operational. This includes keeping your devices and DHCP server configurations in sync.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully change your router’s IP address, ensuring a seamless and secure network experience.