How to Use a Static IP in a Network

Devices that require port forwarding can benefit from having a static IP.

By default, most routers assign dynamic, or DHCP, Internet Protocol addresses to computers and other devices that connect to their network. However, a device can lose its assigned IP if it disconnects and subsequently reconnects to the network. Use static IP addresses to help a device retain its assigned IP address, making it easier to perform advanced network modifications on individual IPs, such as port forwarding and DMZ management.

Instructions

1. Open your Web browser and log into your router's configuration page, using your router's administrative username and password. Find the IP address used to access the configuration page, as well as the default username and password in your router's user manual.

2. Access the DHCP settings on your router's configuration page. Disable DHCP by turning the feature off or changing the setting to "Static IP." Save your changes and exit the configuration page. You may need to reboot your router to reflect these changes.

3. Click the "Start" icon at the lower left-hand corner of the taskbar and click "Control Panel." Open "Network and Sharing Center" and select "Change adapter settings." Right-click the icon representing the network you currently use and select "Properties" from the drop-down list.

4. Highlight "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and select "Properties." Select "Use the Following IP Address" and manually set a static IP address. This can be any number between 192.168.1.3 and 192.168.1.254, for most machines. Manually enter the subnet mask and default gateway in the appropriate fields.

5. Manually enter the preferred and alternate DNS server IP addresses in the appropriate fields. Click "OK" to save these changes. You may need to reboot your computer in order to reflect these changes.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the "ipconfig /all" command in the "Command Prompt" window to reveal your computer's current default gateway and DNS server address before switching to a static IP.

References

• Corz: Static IP Address