IP Address for Local Area Network

Question

It appears that default IP Address for Local Area Network is 192.168.1.1 for some routers, and 10.1.1.1 for others. Is there any advantage to change LAN IP Address to some other number which is different? Also what is the range of numbers one can use?   Second Question is about subnet mask number. Default is 255.255.255.0. Same question. Can or should one change this from default? And again what is the range of numbers one can use?   Any input on this subject or links to websites would be appreciated.   Ratz

BigBrother · Answer

Ratz,   There are some advantages to changing your router's IP address and to changing the subnet mask.  However, there are also some security risks involved and you could render your router inaccessible to your computers.  If you are comfortable with managing your IP address ranges and your subnet mask, go ahead and experiment.  Be sure to know where the reset switch is on your router so that you can restore factory defaults.  For more info on what you might be getting into, check this link:   http://www.ralphb.net/IPSubnet/   Whether you can change the IP address of a particular router; and how much you can change it is dependent on the router itself.  Different brands and models of routers have different restrictions.    Steve Message Edited by BigBrother on 02-26-2006 08:47 AM

BigBrother · Answer

Ratz, You are welcome.  Steve

Ratz · Answer

Thanks BigBrother. Great link. Ratz

Ratz · Answer

From D-Link manual on securing your network.

"4. Change the default LAN IP address
Change the default LAN IP address from 192.168.0.1 to an alternate IP address. There are 3 ranges of IP addresses that have been reserved for use on Private Networks.

10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255 (10.0.0.0/8)
172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255 (172.16.0.0/12)
192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255 (192.168.0.0/16)

D-Link routers use 192.168.0.1 as their default LAN IP address. Choosing an alternate IP address lessens the probability of an intruders knowing what IP network your devices are on."

Never mind, I was able to figure it out. Thanks.

Message Edited by Ratz on 02-28-2006 02:27 PM

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

IP Address for Local Area Network

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