Have you ever seen the sequence of numbers: 192.168.1.1 ? No, it’s not a Skype number or a lottery pick. It’s a private IP address. An IP address is an Internet Protocol address through which data is communicated on the internet between computers. The majority of computers access the internet through broadband or cable network routers or routers set up via IT network administrators. Router manufacturers have to configure their routers with an IP address at the factory before they are shipped to broadband or cable company suppliers, tech wholesalers or retailers. Manufacturers preset the IP addresses of their proprietary routers and 192.168.1.1 is one of the standard Internet Protocol addresses used by router manufacturers, especially on Linksys routers.
Are you wondering how this IP number impacts you? If you took your router right out of the box and plugged everything in or your cable or broadband installation technician installed your router for you, you are probably still running the factory Internet Protocol address. You can change the number yourself if you want to. It isn’t difficult to follow instructions using your internet browser service (such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox) or even follow instructions in your router’s manual.
192.168.o.1 is another private IP address used by router manufacturers, especially featured on Netgear and D-Link routers. The private IP addresses are generally contained within a certain numerical range. Where keeping your router’s IP address could be an issue for you is if you have multiple computers using the same router. This situation can create network access issues if you keep any of the popular private router IP addresses.
