An IP or internet protocol address is a set of digits that provides information related to a device and its location. This unique machine identifier also helps websites send requested data to the right location. All sorts of devices are identified with or assigned IP addresses, including smartphones, laptops, and routers. While you may not know how to find your IP address, it can come in handy to know how to find it to troubleshoot Wi-Fi problems – and for some other equally compelling reasons.
It’s also common for people to default to whatever IP address is being used for a particular device at any given time. However, there are times when you may need to change or adjust your IP home IP address. At the very least, it can be helpful to know where to find it in case it needs to be changed at some point. Below, some of the possible reasons for taking this step with your IP address are discussed.
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Accessing Content Not Available in Your Location
You might prefer to change your IP address if you’re traveling to a different country and you want to access streaming content from the United States instead. Incidentally, this works the other way, too. If you adjust your IP address so it’s for another country instead of the U.S., for example, you can then access whatever content is available via a specific platform in that country. Some people like to do this to view Netflix titles, for example, only available in other countries.
Having Trouble with Your Wi-Fi Connection
Sometimes, it’s not your internet connection why you’re having WIFI connection issues. There are times when certain issues you’re not able to troubleshoot or pinpoint might cause you to have difficulty using your Wi-Fi connection. In some instances, changing your home IP address corrects this problem in a quick and easy way.
Improving Data Security
Occasionally changing your home IP address can help with online data security in some instances. Yes, there are other ways to achieve this same goal. Still, it’s a step that can provide some added peace of mind, especially if you regularly share sensitive or personal data online. On a related note, if firewalls have been bypassed, you may also prefer to change your IP address to reduce the data breach risk. You can all your internet provider to help you change your IP address. For example, HughesNet Internet has friendly customer service that will assist you when you call them.
Other Possible Reasons to Change Your Home IP Address
If you have concerns about being digitally tracked, you may prefer to change your IP address. Also, some online users make this adjustment to avoid throttling by an internet service provider. ISP throttling is when an ISP purposely limits bandwidth or speed, but they do it without informing you. Additionally, you may also need or prefer to change your home IP address for any of the following reasons:
• You need to correct issues with an IP address that’s not correctly configured.
• Your router has provided an IP address that ends up being unusable.
• Your network has more than one device with the exact same IP address.
How to Change Your Home IP Address
An IP address is presented as a series of four numbers, with each one separated by a period. A simple way to change your IP address is to switch networks. Other options include:
• Resetting your modem
• Connecting via a virtual private network or VPN
• Using a proxy server
• Contacting your internet service provider
Another option with changing your IP address is to find it at home and then do the same thing at your office, workplace, or some other preferred spot, like your dorm or a school library. You’ll then get a unique IP address for each location. Lastly, in order to change the IP address on your router, you’ll need to log into the settings as administer to complete this process.
