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Setting up a static IP




Routers
work by attributing a "dynamic IP" to each computer when it connects to
the router. Since this IP is dynamic it can, and often does change each
time. The router selects which IP to attribute from a list of available
IPs called the DHCP range. This range is expressed as either: 

Starting IP / ending IP, or Starting IP and number of IPs. 
(192.154.10.1 to 192.154.10.100 or 192.154.10.1 with 100 IPs
available). In order to setup a static IP for your computer it is
important to select one outside of this range in order to avoid it
being attributed to another computer by the router. Finding out what the
DHCP range can be hard work since I have no router specific
instructions to direct you to the correct menu. You'll have to find it
on your own (you may refer to your router's manual for more
information).




To enter the router configuration screens : Windows Start button > Run, type "cmd /k; ipconfig /all" WITHOUT the quotes.





1. From the DOS window that will open, copy the default gateway number to your web browser and hit enter.
2. In the login window enter your username / password (if you have not set one try: admin/admin admin/blank blank/admin or even blank/blank)
3. Navigate the menus and screens until you find the DHCP range.
4. Since
   many routers have limits on the number of IPs they can handle
   (regardless of the number of computers connected). Reduce the DHCP
   range by one. (Reduce the ending IP by one or reduce the number of IP
   by one). Make a note of the newly available IP (which is outside the
   range); this is what you will use for a static IP further.
5. Exit the router configuration and follow the instructions at the Portforward Static IP Guide to setup your operating system to use a static ip.

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