Setting a LAN PC to a non-changing IP address is the practical way to insure it will never change. Many consider this a good idea if you are using Port Forwarding or DMZ.

Here's the info you need. This info assumes the LinkSys is at default settings:

1.) Select a unique IP for the PC of 192.168.1.# where # is in the range 2-99 or 150-254 (this avoids any conflict with the default DHCP address range of 100-149). Example: 192.168.1.5

2.) Obtain 1 or more (typically 2) DNS server addresses you can use. Your ISP usually defines these or find them at the Status tab in the LinkSys setup.

Note: Some successfully use a DNS server of 192.168.1.1, the LinkSys LAN address. The LinkSys has an undocumented DNS-proxy built in so use this at your own risk.

3.) Operating systems vary. Most Windows PCs can use Control Panel to get to network settings (example: "Network and Dialup Connections" then "Local Area Connection" then "Properties"). Navigate to the settings for "TCP/IP" (example: "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)").

4.) Change from "Obtain an IP address automatically" to "Use the following IP address". Enter these values (all are important and exact wording may vary):

* IP address: 192.168.1.# (from step 1.)
* Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
* Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1
* DNS servers: (from step 2.)

5.) Be sure and click "OK" as needed. You may be asked to reboot.

Most of you are done at this point but one more note worth mentioning. A "DNS-suffix" is used in network design by some ISPs (@Home in particular). This is the suffix used to append simple addresses like "mail" and "news" so you obtain the correct server for your area. This DNS-suffix must be manually entered on the PC to continue to function.

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by Bill_MI edited by Lanik
last modified: 2005-06-22 00:07:19