How to Find an Unused IP Address on the Local Network

Connect to your router to look up IP addresses on your local network.

When a combination of computers and peripheral devices are connected to form a network, each device uses a different Internet Protocol (IP) address to identify it within that network. In some cases, the network administrator assigns a static IP address manually, while in other cases the router assigns a dynamic IP automatically. If your network uses Dynamic Host Control Protocol, or DHCP , to assign IP addresses, you can determine the range of available IP addresses by logging in to your router.

Instructions

1. Open your Internet browser.

2. Type the IP address assigned to your router in the address window of the browser.

3. Log in to the router.

4. Read the DHCP server assignments to find an IP address that is unused in the range of available IP addresses.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't know the IP address or log-in information for your router, you can typically find the factory default information at the manufacturer's website.

References

• Tech FAQ: DHCP Scope
• Microsoft: Troubleshooting DHCP