With the widespread use of the Internet, its user needs to put in the effort and learn how it works. You probably have heard of IP addresses, and if you have a router, you have one. However, you may be wondering what is default gateway IP.
If you know how to find your default gateway address, it can be incredibly useful when you are setting up other smart devices in your home or when troubleshooting. You can search for your default gateway IP on a computer or smartphone. Let’s discover more!
What Is Default Gateway IP?
A default gateway IP is your router’s IP address. Every internet user has an IP address. A default gateway IP is a node in a computer network that serves as an access point to another network. The default gateway is an identifying code that lets data reach your network.
Moreover, the communication between computers and other networks involves a default gateway. An internet default gateway assists the information’s routing when a computer sends an information request to a website on another network. Setting up internal and multi-server networks in businesses requires a thorough understanding of the default gateway.
Default Gateway IP
The initial route information takes between systems is through the default gateway. It is the default path for information to travel, hence the word “default.” The system that receives the information request tries to decide how to best respond to it.
Unless the system specifies a different pathway, the system’s response frequently uses the default gateway. These requests typically take place online as computers and other systems link to one another and exchange data.
The IP address connected to the router is frequently used as the default gateway. This configuration is typical for physical networks and results in the router acting as the default gateway.
The setup of the network determines the default gateway in a virtual network. An internal IP address is the default gateway when a system has multiple servers and employs a subnet, a network within a network.
If you are troubleshooting or setting up smart devices around your house, you should know your default gateway IP. The default gateway address allows you to reach devices and servers outside your network.
Examples of Default Gateway IPs
Your house is an example of a default gateway if you have a wireless internet connection. Your gadgets can access the Internet using a router.
Your router is the first stop on the way to the Internet when you send a request for information. So, the router serves as the default gateway because it analyzes the requested data and links.
Internal networks
Businesses occasionally have internal networks with many servers or subnets that communicate and share information via a default gateway.
For instance, assume that someone requests information from a company network without mentioning which server. Several servers may be present in such a system or subnet, each of which holds data and performs functions.
In that situation, the request might pass through a default gateway, which can handle and send it in the proper direction.
Websites
Every website or cloud-based server processes requests from outside sources through a default gateway. The system routes data to the appropriate server through this default gateway to complete the request. Private networks built in the cloud employ a similar method.
Read more: How to Find the IP Address of a Router
How to Find the Default Gateway on Various Systems
Finding your Default Gateway IP on Windows
- First, you should open the Control Panel in the Windows search box.
- In the Control Panel, click on Network and Internet.
- Then, select the Network and Sharing Center options.
- Click on Ethernet and then the Details option.
- There you will find the default gateway IP address.
Finding your Default Gateway IP on MacOS
- First, you must open the Apple Menu and select the System Preferences option.
- Once you do that, tap Network, you will need to select the network you are connected to.
- After that, click on the Advanced option and open the TCP/IP tab.
- You will be able to see the default gateway IP beside Router.
Finding your Default Gateway IP on Android
- If you want to discover your default gateway IP through an Android smartphone, you should select Settings and WiFi.
- From there, you should select your network connection.
- Once selected, click on Modify network, and select the Advanced options function.
- You should change your IPv4 setting to Static.
- Lastly, under Gateway, you can see your default gateway IP address.
Finding your Default Gateway IP on iOS
- The first thing you should do when looking for the default gateway IP on iOS is the same as with Android: select the Settings options and click on WiFi.
- Next, you should select the “i” that appears next to the network connection.
- Under Router, you can see your default gateway IP address.
How to Secure Your Default Gateway IP
As we have mentioned, your router is your default gateway to the Internet. However, because your data is stored on the local network, it is vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Hackers who know your default gateway IP address can steal your personal info and infect your devices with malware.
These potential cyber-attacks are the reason why you should secure your router. One way to secure your network is by installing a VPN service. A VPN service will make your IP address invisible to online hackers; thus, all your devices will be secure.
VPN services work by encrypting the data stored on your local network by rerouting it through countless servers in various countries.
Also read: How to Find My Router IP Address From Mobile
Conclusion
As you can see, a default gateway is usually your IP address, which answers the questions about what is default gateway IP. Your default gateway is the IP address that receives and sends requests online from and to other networks.
Knowing your default gateway IP can be useful for troubleshooting or setting up new devices around your home.