How to Allocate IP Addresses

An incorrect IP address will prevent your computer from connecting to the Internet.

An Internet Protocol address is a number assigned to your computer for the purposes of communicating with an Internet Protocol, and you'll need to properly allocate the right IP address to your computer in order to connect to a network. Assigning the right IP address is a pretty simple task that involves changing some settings and requires only basic knowledge of computers to perform. If you're having connection problems, allocating an IP address might be a solution.

Instructions

PC

1. Open the "Start" menu and click on "Control Panel."

2. Click on "Network and Internet Connections," and then "Network Connections."

3. Double-click on the Internet connection you are using, and then select "Properties."

4. Highlight "Internet Protocol" in the General Tab and click "Properties."

5. Click "Use the following IP address" and enter the IP address you want to allocate.

6. Click on the "Use the following DNS server address" radio button if it is not already selected and enter the IP addresses for the DNS servers used by your router.

7. Click "OK" when finished.

Mac

1. Click on the Apple menu and open the "Applications" folder, and then click on "System Preferences." Click the "Network" icon to open the pane.

2. Click on the "TCP/IP" tab.

3. Open the drop-down menu next to the "Configure" heading and choose "Manually."

4. Enter the IP addresses in the fields below. Click "Apply Now" when finished.

References

• HotComm: Assign Static IP Address
• How-To Geek: How to Assign a Static IP Address in XP, Vista or Windows 7
• Apple Support: Mac OS: How to Get an IP Address for COnnecting to the Internet