How to Use the DHCP Feature on a Router
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) feature enables an individual to assign a different IP address to all the devices paired to their router network. This helps in resolving any network error issues while using two or more devices on the same network as every device is assigned with its own unique IP address. This allows an individual to access all of their devices at once and that too without facing any connection errors, so if you wish to activate this feature on your router, then follow the steps mentioned below.
Steps to Search Your Router Address on Windows
- First, ensure that your PC is connected with the internet. If by any means, your computer system is not paired with the internet, then you will fail to find the address of your router. Use Ethernet cable if your router is unable to connect to your computer.
- Now launch the Start menu by holding “Win” key from your keyboard, or you can simply select the Windows logo from the bottom left of your display screen.
- Then choose the “Settings” option from the extreme left of your Start menu.
- After that, choose the “Network & Internet” option from the Settings tab.
- Now scroll down from the Network & Internet window and select the “View your network properties” option.
- Then look for the “Default gateway” option. You will be able to view some numbers adjacent to this option. This number code is the address of your router which would be required to change the DHCP settings.
By following the steps mentioned above, an individual can easily find their IP address from their Windows computer. If you have a Mac system, then you can go through the steps mentioned below to find the address for your router to configure your DHCP settings.
Steps to Search Your Router Address on Mac
- First, make sure that your Mac system is linked with an internet connection. It is necessary to make sure that your device is paired with an internet connection, as it would be impossible to find your router address if the internet connection won’t be enabled.
- You can also choose to use an Ethernet cable to pair your router with your Mac to ensure the internet connection is stable at all times while you look for the address of your router.
- Now launch the Apple menu by selecting the Apple logo from the extreme top-left of your display screen.
- Then launch the “System Preferences” option from the Apple menu drop down menu.
- After that choose the “Network” option from the popped up System Preferences panel.
- Now select the “Advanced” option.
- Then choose the “TCP/IP” option from the Advanced popped-up panel.
- Now look for “Router” option. You will be able to observe some numbers adjacent to the Router option. This number is the address of your router, and it will come in handy to customize your DHCP settings.
By going through the steps mentioned above, users can easily find the address of their router by using a Mac device. Once you have access to the IP Address of your router, follow the steps mentioned below to customize your DHCP settings.
Steps to Enable Your Router’s DHCP Settings
- Head to your systems web browser and launch it.
- Now enter the address of your router. By doing so, you will be redirected to your routers home page.
- Then enter your ID and password if prompted.
- Generally, the router ID and password are available on the manual of the router; still, you can use the router name or model to look for the user name and password online.
- If you have previously changed the password of your router, then enter that passcode or use the reset button on the router to bring it back to its factory settings.
- After that head to your router’s settings page. Consider the fact that every router has a different appearance to their home page, so don’t be confused and simply search for the option named Router settings.
- Now look for “DHCP settings” option. If you fail to observe any such title or option, then try to navigate to other options equivalent to it. You can also search for options like “Setup settings, Advanced settings or Local settings” to find the DHCP settings.
- Once you find the DHCP settings panel, select the “Enable DHCP” option.
- Then save your new settings by choosing the “Save” button. If your system pop-up a restart your system dialog, then select “OK” and restart your computer system to apply the new settings permanently.
Hopefully, users will now be able to customize their router’s DHCP settings and enjoy browsing the internet on multiple devices, without worrying about the connection error code.
Enne Garcia is a self-professed security expert; she has been making the people aware of the security threats. Her passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. She writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.
Source: https://quicksetupme.com/how-to-use-the-dhcp-feature-on-a-router/