Reference number: CH000784

How do I change my IP address?

Question:

How do I change my IP address?

Additional information:

Users often want to change their IP address because of one or more of the below reasons.

1. Network confliction or other network related issue.
2. Network application requires specific IP address or IP range.
3. Trying to protect themselves from other users.
4. Trying to deceive a vicious software program, user, or company.

• See document CH000483 for additional information about determining your IP address.

Answer:

The basics

Before reading any of the below information, you need to be aware of some network basics.

1. Know the difference between a static IP address and a dynamic IP address. See each of the links for additional information about each of these terms.
2. When on the Internet, it is up to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to assign and give you your network address seen by the Internet. Additional details posted below.
3. If you're planning on designating and/or using a static IP address, you should be aware of how IP address ranges are handled and netmasks. See each of these links for additional information.

Changing your Internet IP address

Modem users

When connecting to the Internet, your ISP will assign your computer an address each time you connect. This means that often each time you connect you'll have a different IP address. If you're wanting to change your IP address, try disconnecting and reconnecting.

Broadband users

Almost all broadband service providers will assign your computer or home network a static IP address. If you're connected to a broadband network and need to change your IP address we suggest contacting your broadband provider.

Changing your home network IP address

Microsoft Windows users

To change or specify the IP address of your computer for your own local area network (LAN), follow the below steps. Keep in mind that if you're connecting to the Internet with a broadband connection, adjusting your network settings may cause issues with your broadband connection. Finally, if your home network is setup through a network router, that router could be assigning your computer dynamic IP addresses, and specifying a static IP address may cause issues.

1. Get to the Microsoft Windows desktop.
2. Right-click on My Network Places or Network Neighborhood and click Properties.
3. Right-click on Local Area Connection and click Properties.
4. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties. If this is not present, you'll need to install this protocol.
5. In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window, select "Use the following IP address" if not already selected and specify the new IP address you wish to use. While entering this data you'll also need to specify the subnet mask and default gateway.

Linux users

The below information is for how to specify and adjust your network settings through the command prompt. Changing your network settings will require root access.

1. Get to the command prompt.
2. Move to the /etc/sysconfig/network directory.
3. Edit the interfaces file and adjust your network settings in this file.

Additional information:

• See document CH001047 for additional information about troubleshooting a IP address conflict.