When setting up Local Area Network or LAN together with a network like a router, it is very important to be familiar with IP addresses. These addresses identify devices on an IP or TCP network. It could be a private IP address like 192.168.1.1 for LAN, it could also be for public use for Internet and it can even be for Wide Area Network Use or WAN. While many people are familiar that 192.168.0.1 is an address used globally, it is but only one of the many addresses located between 192.168.0.0 and 192.168.155.255. This IP is commonly read as 192.168.o.1 (default router IP address).
A number of IP ranges are put aside for private use by the World Wide Web Standards Groups. They have been able to invent non-public IP addresses which are always available to Internet Service Providers or ISP and to their subscribers. One of which is 192.168.0.1. The IP ranges are divided in to three: 1) 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255, 2) 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255 and 3) 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255.
Routers like Belkin and the rest have one IP from the subscriber’s ISP. This is how the device or network is recognized – using a specific public address. If a public address can be used by a different device on a different network, one from which will definitely be rendered useless. It is a conflict that creates complications. It would be like two people agreeing to share one umbrella, but they also know for a fact that they should be at two different places at the same time. With devices, one should let go. It will be impossible for that device to function on the actual network system while it claims some device’s address.
There is a significant IP called a default IP to manage various wireless routers like Netgear or D-link. This default IP is almost always 192.168.0.1. Managing wireless networks software is as easy as:
- Pull up a web browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, etc.).
- Go to the Address Bar, and type 192.168.0.1.
- Hit the Enter key.
- The Graphical User Interface (GUI) should be displayed.
- Enter the username and password. (This information usually comes from one’s ISP. Default username and password can also be found over the Internet for first-time access. Refer to the product manual for more information.)
- Edit/Activate configuration settings. (Refer to the product manual for more information.)
- Save settings.
Wireless configuration settings need to be edited and saved. When it comes to people that are aware how non-public the IP 192.168.0.1 is they can access the GUI with a default username and password especially if their device detects the network is unsecured. As a responsible user, make it to a point to go over the wireless device’s manual. Follow instructions on how a strong password can be created. Edit your GUI’s password as well to prevent unauthorized Internet connection using your network.