Are you wondering, “What is My WAP IP?” In this article, we’ll share the definition of this IP address type and how to find it using various methods. This means you can quickly figure out the IP address that external systems use to interact with your home network.
Furthermore, you may want to better understand how to target WAN IP addresses when marketing products. They can help uncover geolocation data about potential customers, which leads to targeted marketing campaigns.
Keep reading to learn more information when you want to know what my WAN IP address is!
Table of Contents
What Is My WAN IP?
Your WAN (wide area network) IP address is the unique identifier assigned to your network by Internet service providers (ISP) for communication over the Internet. Unlike your local IP address, the WAN IP address is visible to external networks and websites you visit. You can think of it as a public IP address when learning what is my WAN IP.
It allows your devices to send and receive information over the internet. You can find your WAN IP by searching “What is my IP” in a search engine. Alternatively, you can visit websites dedicated to displaying IP information.
It’s a good idea to understand the different types of IP addresses so you understand the limitations and functionality of the technology.
How Can I Find My WAN IP Address?
Do you want to know, “How can I find my WAN IP address in just a few seconds?” We’ll share three different methods so you can pick the one that’s most convenient.
You may also want to cross-reference with other methods to ensure you have the right IP address for your wireless network.
1. Search Engine
To find your WAN IP address, use a search engine like Google. Enter a few simple search strings like “What is my WAN IP” into the search bar. Press Enter, and the search results will usually display your WAN IP address at the top of the page.
This method is straightforward and quick and provides you with your external IP address without needing to navigate through settings or additional steps. This IP is what websites and services see when you connect to them.
2. Router Settings
To find your WAN IP address through your router settings, log into your router’s web interface. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address into the address bar. Then, enter your login credentials, which are usually found on the router itself or in the manual.
Navigate to the status or configuration page, which is often labeled as WAN, Internet, or similar. Here, you’ll find your WAN IP and it’s usually the default IP address. You can also look at the router itself since most have a sticker with all the details.
3. IP Lookup Websites
Visit IP lookup websites like whatismyip.com, ipchicken.com, or ipinfo.io to find your WAN IP address. You’ll need to start by opening your web browser and entering one of these URLs. These sites automatically detect your IP address and display it on the page. Some of these websites may also offer geocode lookup services.
This method is reliable and provides additional details about your IP, such as your location and ISP. These websites are specifically designed for this purpose, which makes it a convenient option for quickly finding your static IP address.
5 Different Types of IP Address
Now, let’s turn our attention to the various IP types to help you understand where WAN IPs fit in. This will help you differentiate between the IPs you come across.
Here are the top five for your consideration:
- Static IP address: A static IP is a fixed one assigned to a device or network that does not change over time. It provides constant connectivity, which makes it ideal for hosting servers, running websites, or remote access. Furthermore, static IPs ensure reliable communication but are typically more expensive.
- Public IP address: A public IP is a globally unique IP assigned to your network by your ISP. It allows your devices to communicate over the internet. Furthermore, it is visible to external networks and websites. This enables internet traffic routing to your home network.
- Dynamic IP address: A dynamic IP address is assigned from a pool of available addresses and can change periodically. This is often each time a device connects to the internet.
- Private IP address: A private IP address is used within a local network. Hence, it is not visible to external networks, and you can reserve it for internal communication.
- IPv6 address: An IPv6 address is a 128-bit alphanumeric address designed to replace IPv4. The idea is to provide a vastly larger pool of unique addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my WAN IP address?
Yes, you can change your WAN IP address, but the methods depend on your ISP and network setup. For dynamic IP addresses, restarting your modem or router can sometimes result in a new IP.
You need to contact your ISP to request a change for static IP addresses. Furthermore, a VPN or proxy server can temporarily give you a different public IP address. Note that some ISPs limit how often you can change your IP address.
How is a WAN IP address different from a LAN IP address?
A WAN IP address is the public IP that your ISP assigns, which is visible to external networks and used for communication over the internet. In contrast, a LAN IP address is a private IP within your local network and used for internal communication.
The WAN IP allows access to global internet services, while the LAN IP manages local traffic between devices like computers, printers, and smartphones. Furthermore, WAN IPs are unique globally, whereas LAN IPs are unique only within your local network.
Why does my WAN IP address change?
Your WAN IP address changes primarily if your ISP assigns dynamic IP addresses. It can change periodically or when you restart your modem/router. Also, ISPs use dynamic IPs to efficiently manage their pool of available addresses.
Changes can also occur during network maintenance or due to changes in your ISP’s infrastructure. Finally, static IP addresses do not change unless manually reconfigured by your ISP or network administrator.
Is my WAN IP address secure?
Your WAN IP address is necessary for internet communication but can expose your network to potential risks if not properly secured. Furthermore, it is publicly visible, which makes it a target for attacks.
Additionally, ensure your router has a strong password, enable firewall protection, and keep your network devices updated with the latest security patches. This can help secure your WAN IP.
Furthermore, using a VPN can also add an extra layer of security by masking your real IP address. There are many VPNs to choose from with affordable pricing.
Can my WAN IP address be tracked?
Yes, your WAN IP address can be tracked and used to determine the general location of your internet connection. This includes your city or region. This tracking is commonly used by websites for analytics, content localization, and targeted advertising.
However, it typically does not reveal your exact address. For enhanced privacy, you can use tools like VPNs, which mask your real IP address and make tracking more difficult.
My WAN IP Address: Is It Important?
Yes, the WAN IP is important because it concerns network security, remote access and hosting, geolocation, and more. Furthermore, getting your hands on people’s IP addresses using legal methods allows you to engage in geolocation marketing.
Now that you know what my WAN IP address is all about, you can begin looking for it yourself. Use one of the methods in this article to save time. Therefore, you can discover the WAN IP address within a few minutes.
Do you want to target user IP addresses and turn them into geolocation data? Then, you can use geoPlugin to take advantage of data with your location-based marketing strategies.
So what are you waiting for? Start using geoPlugin today, and you won’t look back!
