How to Make Sure a Router Is Assigning an IP Address

Most routers installed on home and small business networks are designed to share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection. This type of router assigns IP addresses to all of the computers and devices connected to it. The router keeps track of the IP address assigned to each device, preventing duplicated addresses. You can make sure the router is assigning an IP address to your computer by checking the status of the network adapter after you connect your computer to the router.

Things You'll Need

• Ethernet cable

Instructions

1. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to one of the "LAN" ports on the router.

2. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the computer.

3. Press the Windows logo key and the "R" key on your keyboard simultaneously.

4. Type "cmd" (without quotes) and press "Enter."

5. Type "ipconfig" without quotes and press "Enter." If any IP address other than "0.0.0.0" or "169.254.x.x" displays (where each "x" can be any number between zero and 255, the router is assigning IP addresses properly.