What is a WAN IP Address? How to Find a WAN Address?
- What is an IP Address?
- What is a WAN IP?
- How to Find a WAN IP Address?
- How to Change WAN IP Address?
- Differences Between WAN IP Address and LAN IP Address
- How to Solve “The IP Address Conflicts with The WAN IP Subnet. Please Enter a Different IP Address”?
- Benefits of Using Ivacy VPN for Changing WAN IP Address
- Are VPNs Legal for Changing WAN IP Address?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
The IP address you know as your device’s numeric identification number falls further into two categories – WAN or LAN.
WAN or Wide Area Network (WAN) IP address is the address provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). In contrast, LAN IP address refers to the address given to your host within your local area network.
If you’re wondering what is a WAN IP address and looking for ways to find it on your device, you don’t have to look anywhere else, as we have everything you need to know about a WAN IP address.
Updated 2025: This blog has been updated to reflect new changes in information. It now tells readers about the benefits of using a VPN for changing a WAN IP address. It also tells about the legality issue of using a VPN.
Unlock Online Freedom Now with Ivacy VPN! Download our cutting-edge app on all your devices with these handy links:
What is an IP Address?
IP is an abbreviation for Internet protocol. IP addresses are used to identify devices and communicate with one another via the Internet or inside a local network.
You access a certain IP address when you visit a website or use a network computer. A meaningful domain or computer names, such as dongknows.com or Server, is simply a convenient technique to disguise that address so that we humans can remember it.
What is a WAN IP?
WAN is an abbreviation for wide area network. This is the network of your Internet service provider. As a result, many routers name one of the Ethernet ports “Internet,” even though the correct label is “WAN.” Your external IP address would be your WAN address.
Finding your WAN IP address is similarly simple, but you must log into your wireless router. Open a web browser to accomplish this. Enter the IP address of your router that connects to the Internet. You’ll need a username and password to access your router, which you may find in the router’s instructions.
In the router’s setup, look for the WAN IP address. As previously noted, depending on your router type, it might be named Internet IP, so don’t be too concerned if you don’t see “WAN” directly in the setup. You should be able to locate the address.
How to Find a WAN IP Address?
You can find your WAN IP address with a site like whatismyip.com or wanip.info.
The only problem with finding your WAN IP address with the above links is that it keeps changing, so it’s always best to find your WAN address using your router interface.
Follow the steps below to find the WAN IP address on your router:
1. Head to your modem/router interface
To do so, you must first determine your router’s default IP address. Depending on the model, it is commonly inscribed at the bottom or back of your router device. Most Linksys routers, for example, have the IP address 192.168.1.1.
Enter the above IP address into the URL bar of your web browser (or your mobile phone if you like) and press enter. You don’t usually need to connect to the Internet for this.
Then, to log in, enter your username and password.
2. Open Advanced Settings or Settings on Your Router
The next step is to open advanced settings or settings on your modem or router interface.
3. Go to Connection Settings or Internet Connection Settings
Again, choose according to your router interface.
4. Head to Internet Connection Settings, then More Settings to Get Another Menu
Follow the above step if you have Linksys routers; other routers may show you all settings on a single page, so you don’t have to go through more settings to find what you need.
5. Locate the item labeled WAN IP ADDRESS.
Click it to reveal the code.
How to Change WAN IP Address?
Generally speaking, you can’t change your WAN IP address as it’s automatically assigned by your ISP. You can set it manually, but you’ll just likely disconnect from the Internet automatically. The only sure-shot way to change your WAN IP address is by connecting to a reliable and fast VPN with a vast network of VPN servers.
To do that, all you need to do is follow the simple steps below:
1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN
Subscribe to the reliable VPN service in town with the vast network of the fastest VPN servers available worldwide to provide you with an extensive choice to change your virtual location. Head to https://www.ivacy.com/buy-vpn or click the button down below to choose your subscription plans and become a part of the successful clientele of Ivacy VPN.
2. Download the Ivacy VPN app
The next step is to download the Ivacy VPN app on your device. Ivacy VPN is available on a variety of devices, including specified apps for Android, iOS, Smart TV, Roku, and more. Click here to open the download page and choose the device you want to download Ivacy VPN.
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3. Login With Your Credentials
Once you’re done subscribing to Ivacy VPN, you will receive an email with your login details. Use the login details provided on your email address on your app and log in right away.
4. Connect to a VPN Server
Once you’re logged in, you can choose and connect from our list of high-speed VPN servers to change your WAN address from your location to the one you choose.
That’s it! This is all it takes to change your WAN IP address. Now, head to whatismyip.com, and you’ll notice that your location and your WAN IP address will be different than the one you had before connected to a VPN server.
Differences Between WAN IP Address and LAN IP Address
Your company’s business network is both its heart and its backbone. Your business will function as effectively, securely, and profitably as possible with a well-designed and configured network. The two primary types of networks are LAN and WAN, but do you know the differences between both terms?
Listed below are some of the differences between a WAN IP address and a LAN IP Address:
| LAN | WAN |
| LAN uses specific connectivity technologies like token and ethernet. | WAN uses technologies like X.25 or Frame Relay for connecting on longer distances. |
| The ownership of LAN is private. | WAN’s ownership can either be public or private. |
| A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that spans a limited geographic region, such as a house, business, or collection of buildings. | A wide-area network (WAN) is a computer network that spans a large geographical region. For example, any network whose connections span many regional and metropolitan boundaries. |
| It is not very expensive because there is a need to put up a few extra devices on the network. | Because faraway places must be connected with WAN networks, the setup expenses are greater. |
| LAN has a faster data transfer rate. | When compared to LAN, WAN has a lower data transfer rate. |
| LAN has a high speed. | The WAN is slower than the LAN. |
| In LAN, the propagation delay time is short. | The WAN propagation latency is significant (longer than LAN). |
| It has greater fault tolerance. | In WAN, it provides reduced failure tolerance. |
| It is simple to create and maintain. | It is challenging to create and maintain. |
How to Solve “The IP Address Conflicts with The WAN IP Subnet. Please Enter a Different IP Address”?
An IP conflict between your IP address and your WAN IP address happens when two or more devices in their network connect to the same IP address. This creates confusion between the IP and the WAN IP and may be resolved by restarting your device or manually configuring your IP.
A WAN IP address is essentially the address that a router uses, whereas an IP address is the one that you use for your device. An IP address’s purpose is to enable a device to send and receive data over the Internet. It must be device-specific in order to perform properly.
Follow these procedures to verify that each of your devices has a unique IP address. We started with the easiest remedy and will work our way through the list if difficulties persist.
Restart Your Router
When a device connects to the Internet, your router provides it a unique IP address. If it fails to do so, you may see a notice saying, “Windows has identified an IP address conflict” or “Windows has failed to retrieve an IP address.” Restarting it may help.
Disable and Re-Enable Your Network Adapter
If you’re using a USB network adapter or a wireless network, disabling and re-enabling it can solve all the IP address conflicts with your connection.
Before you proceed with the below steps, ensure that you have your local user and administration permissions.
- Open the Run command on your device by pressing and holding the Windows + R keys on your keyboard.
- At the Run prompt, type in ncpa.cpl and click OK to open the Network Connections window.
- Right-click on the name of the adapter or wireless network you’re using and click Disable to immediately disconnect from the Internet.
- Now, right-click on the same wireless network or adapter and click
- Now, reboot your device, connect to the Internet and check if you still encounter the IP address conflict error message.
Renew and Release Your IP Address
You can easily release and renew your current IP address and prompt your router to assign you a new one by using some simple commands.
Before you proceed with the below steps, ensure that you have your local user and administration permissions.
- Go to Command Prompt on your device and Run it as Administrator. You will be asked to enter your admin username and password.
- Type the following three commands in your Command Prompt window by pressing Enter after each one.
- Netsh int IP reset c:\resetlog.txt
- Ipconfig/release
- Ipconfig/renew
This will solve your IP address conflict issue; if you’re still receiving the same error, you still have a few options to try.
Use an Automated IP instead of Static IP
In your settings, you may change a static IP address to an automated one. A static IP address indicates that the IP address used by your computer was configured manually rather than automatically by your router.
You can use an automated IP by:
- Open the Run command on your device by pressing and holding the Windows + R keys on your keyboard.
- At the Run prompt, type in ncpa.cpl and click OK to open the Network Connections window.
- Right-click on your wireless or adapter to choose
- Now, double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Select Obtain DNS server address automatically and Obtain an IP address automatically from the General tab.
- Now click OK on both windows and reboot your system.
Disable IPv6
If your computer is running Internet Protocol version 6, the error “Windows has discovered an IP address conflict” may appear on your device. IPv6 may be disabled in your device’s settings. IPv6 is a technology that the Internet uses to give IP addresses to devices and transport data.
- Open the Run command on your device by pressing and holding the Windows + R keys on your keyboard.
- At the Run prompt, type in ncpa.cpl and click OK to open the Network Connections window.
- Right-click on your wireless or adapter to choose
- Uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) to disable IPv6 on your device.
- Reboot your computer to check if the issue is resolved.
Benefits of Using Ivacy VPN for Changing WAN IP Address
Using Ivacy VPN to change one’s WAN IP address has several benefits, and it is important to understand that a VPN can help change not just the IP address but also the apparent location. Here are some of the benefits of using Ivacy VPN for this purpose:
Enhanced Privacy
Ivacy VPN encrypts the internet traffic, making it difficult for ISPs, hackers, or government authorities to monitor one’s online activities. When a person changes their IP address through a VPN, they add an extra layer of anonymity, making it harder for websites and services to track someone.
Bypass Geographical Restrictions
There are numerous websites and digital platforms that restrict access based on one’s location. By connecting to a VPN server in a different location, one can access content that might be otherwise blocked or restricted in a certain region.
Security on Public Wi-Fi
When a person connects to public Wi-Fi networks, their data is vulnerable to interception. Using Ivacy VPN encrypts their traffic, making it much more difficult for cybercriminals to snoop on their online activities.
Avoid ISP Throttling
Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) throttle internet speeds for specific activities, like streaming or torrenting. Using Ivacy VPN can help users bypass such restrictions, as their ISP won’t be able to see what they are doing online. They may be able to determine that a person is masking their actual IP address. However, they will not be able to determine the specific IP address a person is using.
Protect Against DDoS Attacks
Gamers and online streamers can benefit from Ivacy VPN’s ability to hide their actual IP addresses, protecting them from potential DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks.
Enhanced Security
Changing one’s IP address can make it more challenging for potential attackers to target them. If someone knows a user’s IP address, they could attempt to exploit vulnerabilities or launch cyberattacks. By regularly changing one’s IP address through a VPN, one can reduce this risk.
Overcome Geo-Blocks
There are regions where certain websites and digital platforms are often geo-blocked. These geo-blocks are often due to copyright and privacy concerns. Ivacy VPN has a way around such geo-blocks. Ivacy VPN masks the actual IP address of a user and replaces it with a virtual IP address from another region. This enables a user to access geo-blocked safely and easily.
Anonymous Torrenting
If someone engages in torrenting activities, using a VPN is a good way to keep their identity and IP address hidden, protecting them from legal issues and privacy concerns.
Are VPNs Legal for Changing WAN IP Address?
Using a VPN service is legal in most regions around the world. That being said, there are still regions where using a VPN is illegal. The safest thing to do is to contact a legal professional and ask them for help. One should ask them whether or not a VPN is legal in the region. If the professional says it is safe to use a VPN, only then should one rely on Ivacy VPN to change a WAN IP address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WAN IP the same as IPv4?
IPv4 is offered at two levels to preserve addresses: Wide Area Network (WAN) and Local Area Network (LAN) (LAN). The address at the WAN — or Internet—level is always unique at any given time. Each website, in general, has a WAN IP address.
Is my WAN IP my public IP?
Yes, your public or worldwide IP address is your WAN IP address. This is how your computer connects to the Internet via the wide area network. A user may set up their own servers, such as VPN, WEB, or FTP, using WAN IP addresses to view cameras and distant PCs from any place.
What is my WAN IP Address?
Your router’s Wide Area Network (WAN) IP address is provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The WAN IP address of your router may be found on the router’s web-based configuration page.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article helped you learn everything you needed to know about WAN IP addresses and ways to change them. Again, the only way to change your WAN IP address is by using a reliable and fast VPN service like Ivacy VPN.
Unlock Online Freedom Now with Ivacy VPN! Download our cutting-edge app on all your devices with these handy links:
