How to Find an Unused IP Address in My Network
If you want to set a static IP address on a computer, you need to find an available IP address on the router. Routers configured with DHCP will use a pool of IP addresses and assign them to clients. You can use the DHCP settings to determine what static IP address is available for the computer's configuration. It's important to avoid duplicate IP addresses, because two devices with the same IP address are kicked off the network, which is frustrating for users and the network administrator.
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Instructions
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Open a web browser and enter the IP address in your browser's address text box. For most home or small office routers, the IP used is 192.168.1.1. Enter the administrator password. The default administrator password is dependent on your router manufacturer. Linksys' default password is "admin" and a D-Link router is "password."
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Click the "DHCP" link in the router's console. For the D-Link and Linksys routers, this is the default screen that opens when you open the application.
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View the IP block assigned to the DHCP settings. For most default settings, the block is IP addresses 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.50. These IP addresses are taken by the DHCP settings. However, anything after 192.168.1.50 is available.
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Click the "Advanced Settings" button. In this window, click "View router table." This gives you an overview of all the IP addresses used, and it shows you if any other static IP addresses are taken.
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Choose an available IP address that is not within the DHCP settings and is not shown in your router table. IPs not included in these two sections of the router are available for your use.
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Tips & Warnings
Although these steps focused on common routers such as D-Link and Linksys, other router manufacturers have similar steps and the same configuration options.
