192.168.1.1 IP Address

The popularity of certain default IPs mainly depends on the router manufacturer who uses them. Since Linksys, Netgear (the most popular router brands) use this IP, it is normal that this IP is one of the most popular default IPs today. A default IP is set in the manufacturer's factory, but they can be easily changed later if there is need for that.

Before we continue, we have to make some terms a bit clearer, like: What is an IP address, what is a private IP, and so on. So, let's get started.

The term IP address can be described as a numeric identification for a computer or a device in the computer network. The numbers of the IP are divided in 4 segments each separated by dots. On the other hand, a private IP usually belongs to the following IP range: 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255.

A private IP can be used on the Internet, but only in a network system. Additionally, only one device in a network can have one unique IP address. In case two devices have the same IP, some networking problems may occur, which is known as an IP conflict. Please note that this issue has to be solved immediately.

Private IP 192.168.1.1 - An Example

In this example, we are going to use computer A, which is part of our home network, and Computer B which is part of our workplace network. Both these computers have the same IP and there is no problem. You may ask now, what about the IP conflict we have just mentioned. Well, if the two devices, in this case - computers, are in two separate networks there won't be any problems. On the other hand, if we connect computer A to our workplace network, there will be two computers with the same IP. This will cause the mentioned IP conflict because, as we have said earlier, each device must have its own IP. This applies for the computers on the Internet, too. So, two computers with the same IP in the network will have a different IP when they are online. This solution is called NAT or Network Address Translation.

At the beginning, this IP, 192.168.1.1, was intended just for certain router brands, but since its use was so easy and efficient, others started using it too. However, some users don't like using this default IP, while others feel that everything is much easier with it. However, there are much more people who are for this IP, than against. Luckily, because it is widely used, there are numerous resources that can help you troubleshoot any network problem if you use this default IP.