What precisely is an IP Address?
IP is short for Internet Protocol, and an IP address is an exclusive classification number which is designated to each computer or device (or even a printer) which utilizes the Internet. The address is written in a format of a so-called dotted decimal number so that it is not too difficult to remember. For example, 192.168.1.254. This format consists of 4 numerals within the range of 0-255, and divided by dots. Also, a device can either have a static or permanent IP address, or, on the other hand, an address which is assigned or leased to it dynamically.
What is the main purpose of all IP Addresses?
An IP Address is identified as an address mainly due to the fact that is has the same objective as a home or office address. Namely, it permits each device which is on the Internet to be positioned. Thus, web sites can track the locations of various visitors as well as establish which pages they have an interest in by way of their IP Addresses. Also, this address is used to make out the exact user, should there be a demand for log records on the part of the Internet Service Provider of the user (or ISP for short).
How many IP Address classes are there?
There are, in total, five IP Address classes, which excludes the so–called special addresses (which are Default, Broadcast, Loopback IP Addresses as well as others). The classes are the following:
1. A Class – for very big networks. All IP Addresses which range from 1-126 are in this group.
2. B Class – for medium sized networks. All IP Addresses with 128-191 in the first octet are in this group.
3. C Class – for small to medium sized networks. All IP Addresses with 192-223 in the first octet are in this group.
4. D Class – for multicasts (with a 1 first to third bit value, and a 0 fourth bit value).
5. E Class – utilized solely for experimental reasons. This class is rather similar to the D class.
How can we find a router’s IP Address?
There are no more than two easy and straightforward steps to finding the router’s IP address and check whether 192.168.1.254 is our default router IP. It is also important to know that the default Internet Protocol of the router can be located in two places: in the user manual or, and also, it is printed upon a sticker which is attached underneath the router itself.
The steps to finding the router IP are the following:
– Accessing the Command prompt – In Windows 7, all you need to it is press the Start button which is located on the bottom left part of the desktop and then type in CMD in the field which says Search programs and files. The Command prompt will open when you press the Enter button on the keyboard.
– The second step it to use the IPCONFIG command: what needs to be typed in the Command prompt window is IPCONFIG, after C:\Users\Admin>. However, it is important to note that your PC’s name will be written instead of the word Admin. All the network setting will be listed in this command and the part which interests us is the one marked as Default Gateway, as the numerals which are next to it stand for the IP address of the router, for example 192.168.1.254 or some other IP. What we advise is writing down the IP Address, together with the other details of the router (username/password) in the event that you should need them.
What are the login details of this address?
192.168.1.254 is a less common IP address which is used as a default Internet Protocol for routers. The routers which use this address are for example Netopia, 2Wire, and some other brands, which can be checked by way of the Command Prompt. The procedure of logging in when needing access to the router admin panel is identical in most cases. What is done is this: the default IP address is typed into the browser. On appearance of the window for login, the username/password is entered. However, with this address one has to bear something special in mind. Many people type in the number 192.168.l.254 (this is, it seems, a very frequent error). But, we need to say again that all IP addresses consist of numbers only, and thus, this address needs to be typed in carefully and correctly. So, if you type in 192.168.l.254, using the letter ‘l’ you will make a mistake, as you need the number ‘1’. This may not see like a big error, but it is. Also, bear in mind the fact that, for the login window to show up, the computer needs to be a component of the home network and physically linked with the router by way of an Ethernet cable. And once more, 192.168.l.254 is not the same as 192.168.1.254.