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How To Change IP Addresses Without Tearing Your Hair Out

By: Chris Cornell


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There are a few reasons why one considers changing his IP address. The most common reason is a network conflict of address. This happens when computers are hooked up to a local area network and assigned static IP addresses. All you need is an overachiever to assign a used address to his device and connect it to the same network. Other reasons may be segmentation of network addresses due to applications or physical locations. Alternating use of your computer between office and home is one such reason. At times, it may be due to evasion of the ban list whereas more severe causes are protection from spam and abuse.

Assuming you have good reasons to proceed, knowing how to change IP addresses depends on the type of IP address assigned. So, how do you know which type is it? If you use a cable, ADSL or broadband connection, your ISP normally assigns you a static address. Otherwise, dial-up connections are assigned dynamic addresses. A simple way to confirm this is to go to the command prompt on your computer and type “ipconfig /all” minus the double quotes. If the DHCP Enabled option states No, you’ve got a static address. Otherwise, a Yes indicates a dynamic address. It’ll also state when the lease of IP address was obtained and its expiry settings.

Changing a static address requires your ISP’s assistance. To change a dynamic address, switch off your computer, modem and router. If you did the above mentioned check, you’ll need to keep the power turned off according to the expiry settings. Normally an overnight shutdown should be sufficient.

If the power shutdown method didn’t work, all is not lost. By following step-by-step instructions on how to change IP addresses, you can easily accomplish the task at the command prompt or within the operating system. You don’t need to be very technically apt to try either method so long as you closely follow the steps. In the event you need to change the IP address on your modem or router, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do note that some ISPs have pre-assigned an IP address to your network device. Some caution is necessary as a change may cause potential connection problems to the ISP in the future.

In these days of mobile computing, often times you use your laptop at the office, home and when travelling. Depending on where you are and type of connection to the internet, your laptop may require a specific type of IP address for each connection type. There are some utility applications available in the market which help you toggle addresses and connections. All you need to do is to define the various network connections and IP addresses. As you move from place to place, just select your location and you’re connected, fingers crossed.

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