What is a WAN IP Address? How to Find My WAN IP Address?
Understanding what a WAN IP address is is crucial to many since our internet world is comprised of two forms of IP address: WAN (Wide Area Network) and LAN (Local Area Network). A WAN IP address is your identification in the online world, making the internet traffic come to you like it is supposed to, so you will also know who it’s coming from.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain, find, and secure the WAN IP address to help you maintain your privacy and security in the right place.
What is a WAN IP?
A WAN IP is a unique set of IP addresses assigned to your network by Internet Service Providers so you can access what’s online. The WAN IP address is visible to other networks, while the LAN IP is visible only to you. A WAN IP address is also called a public IP address, which allows your device to send and receive information over the internet.
Through WAN IP address, you can make your own server like a VPN or WEB. This allows you to access remote devices and the camera from anywhere.
What is the difference between LAN and WAN IP address?
| Feature | WAN IP Address | LAN IP Address |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Wide Area Network IP Address | Local Area Network IP Address |
| Assigned By | Internet Service Provider (ISP) | Router or a DHCP server within the local network |
| Scope | Used for external communication over the internet | Used for internal communication within a private network |
| Visibility | Publicly visible on the internet | Not visible outside the local network |
| IP Range | Varies (public IP range, e.g., 8.8.8.8) | Private IP range (e.g., 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x) |
| Uniqueness | Must be globally unique | Only needs to be unique within the local network |
| Security Risk | More vulnerable to external attacks | More secure, protected behind NAT and a firewall |
| Accessibility | Allows devices to communicate with web services | Allows local devices (e.g., printer, PC) to communicate |
| Change Frequency | May change (dynamic) or remain fixed (static) | Typically assigned dynamically by the router |
| Example Use | Hosting a website and remote access to the home network | File sharing, printing |
How Do I Find My WAN IP Address?
Finding your WAN IP address depends on the device or operating system, whereas the methods mentioned below will let you find the WAN IP address easily:
1. Find WAN IP via Search Engine
You can use a search engine like Google to find your WAN IP address. All you have to do is:
- Go to the Google search engine and type “What is my WAN IP” in the search bar.
- Press Enter.
- Your WAN IP address will be shown in the first results displayed
The method does not involve any form of settings or lengthy steps to go through. You just need a working internet, and any service available online will get you the precise information about your WAN IP address.
2. Find WAN IP via Router Settings
A WAN IP address can also be found through your router’s settings. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your router admin page by entering the router IP address into the address bar.
- Log in with your credentials.
- The router information page will have your WAN IP address mentioned.
3. Find WAN IP via Command Prompt
It’s the Command Prompt on Windows and Terminal on macOS or Linux.
- If you are using Windows: Go to Command Prompt and type nslookup myip.opendns.com.resolver1.opendns.com
- For Mac or Linux OS users: Open Terminal and type curlifconfig.me
Can I Change My WAN IP Address?
Yes, you can change your WAN IP address, and there are some positive implications once you do it:
- It will enhance your online privacy by stopping targeted advertisements on websites. You can also say farewell to the online trackers to monitor your online activities.
- For various network issues, changing your WAN IP address can resolve them.
- Some streaming, news, sports, and social media websites are banned in many countries. To access that geo-blocked content, changing the WAN IP address can help you circumvent regional limitations.
- Changing the WAN IP address will also prevent your ISP from applying bandwidth throttling, a technique to restrict certain types of data or traffic.
- If you have been using the same IP address for too long, it might be congested. Changing the WAN IP address will resolve this issue by improving network performance and connectivity.
How Can I Change My WAN IP Address?
Below are the safest ways to change your WAN IP address through which you can add a firm layer of security on your device and internet connection:
1. Use a VPN
Using a VPN, you can change your WAN IP address, but free VPNs are not allowed here. Only a trusted VPN like Ivacy VPN can help you change or hide your IP address with a data encryption feature to help you with firmer security. Here are the steps involved in changing your WAN IP with a VPN.
- Subscribe to Ivacy VPN
- Download the VPN on your device.
- Connect to the server you like from any country.
- Once connected, you will see that your WAN IP address will be from the country you chose.
2) Use a Different Network Connection
If you can switch to a different network connection, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet, you can change your WAN IP address.
3. Change WAN IP with Proxy Server
Proxy servers channel your traffic through their servers, which makes your IP address different than before. You can opt for both free and premium proxy websites online. Simply, enter the IP address assigned by the proxy server and the port into your device’s network settings. Click on save, and restart your device; your internet traffic will now be routed from a new channel, and your WAN IP address will be changed.
4. Reboot the Modem or Router
One of the simplest tricks to change your WAN IP address is to power cycle your network devices by turning them off for 5-10 minutes. Once your router or modem is turned on, it will enable your ISP’s Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server to request a new IP address, and you will notice that the WAN IP address has changed.
What is the Importance of WAN Network?
Your WAN IP address is one thing that can expose a lot of things about you, your location, and your ISP. Cybercriminals can use this information against you to form different types of cyberattacks, which in turn affect your security.
The best approach here is to regularly update your firmware to overcome the vulnerabilities and to use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic whenever you are online.
Conclusion
Knowing your WAN IP address is crucial when managing your network’s response to heavy internet traffic. It’s a fine solution for remote access, hosting services, and ensuring network security runs smoothly. Finding a WAN IP address involves basic steps that every tech enthusiast should know about. You can also enhance your WAN security by utilizing a VPN to gain access to geo-restricted content and implement beneficial security measures.
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 a WAN IP Address?
WAN IP address is your online digital identity provided by your ISP. You can find your router’s WAN IP address on its online configuration page.
