Does IP address change with WiFi? –This is one of the most common questions people have when it comes to their IP address.
The vast majority of people know IP as a string of numbers that mean something.
In this guide, we will walk you through understanding how IP addresses work. By the end of this, you will be knowledgeable about how your IP address can or can’t change!
Yes, your IP address will change if you connect to a different WiFi network. This is because our devices are given unique IP addresses by the network we are connected to.
Learn more about how IP addresses change in our guide below!
Understanding IP Addresses
Before we dive into that, let us first try to understand IP addresses a little bit more.
IP address or Internet Protocol is a string of numbers that help the internet, or a local network identify a device. It’s there to help networks and devices identify each other.
You can think of the IP address as the language used by devices and networks. In order to understand each other, they need to speak the same language.
Without IP addresses, it will be difficult for devices to communicate with each other. It runs the risk of the internet not being used because the data transmitted wouldn’t be accurate.
Imagine a postman or a mailman as the internet – our IP addresses the postal code. Without IP addresses, the mailman would not know where to go! He won’t know if he’s going on the right path.
Now, let’s take a look at two of the most common types of IP addresses.
1. Private IP Address
For consumers, you will usually just dabble around private and public IP addresses. Private IP addresses are usually embedded into our devices.
So, when you connect a device to your network, your router generates a private IP address for each of them.
2. Public IP Address
Public IP addresses, on the other hand, are the addresses associated with the entire network. There are two (2) types of public IP addresses – static IP and dynamic IP.
Static IP addresses are consistent, they do not change when the router or the network assigns them an IP address.
Dynamic IP addresses, on the other hand, change regularly and automatically. Usually, they change when you disconnect from the network and reconnect.
So, let’s get to the question thousands of people are dying to have answered.
Does IP Address Change with WiFi?
Perhaps the clearer question would be – Does my IP address change when I disconnect from WiFi 1 and connect to WiFi 2?
The answer to that is yes, it will change the IP address because each network has its own connection.
This basically means that WiFi 1 and WiFi 2 have different IP addresses. Therefore, if you switch connections via your mobile device, the router will reassign a different IP address to it.
But, WiFi 1 has its own IP address, right? This wouldn’t change unless of course, it’s dynamic. If you don’t do anything with it, meaning, you don’t disconnect it, you don’t unplug it, or your ISP didn’t decide to change it, it’ll remain the same.
If that’s the case, does the IP address change with location?
Will Your IP Address Change If You Change Locations?
Yes, taking the fact that we mentioned different devices having unique IP addresses, it’ll change if you move or reposition geographically.
Even if the internet service provider (ISP) is the same, they’ll still provide and direct a particular device’s IP address differently.
If I Bring My Router, Will My IP Address Still Be the Same?
No, your IP address will not be the same. Even if you brought your router – even if it uses a static IP, it will still be different.
Why? – Because IP addresses are assigned by your ISP. They purchased an IP address block, meaning, they can only assign IP addresses within that pool.
Even if your router is using a static IP, the internal communication it will have with the ISP will be different. It may appear as if the public IP is the same as others, but internally, they are different.
That being said, would using a VPN change your IP address? Would it assign you a different IP address even if you don’t move from one place to another?
Does IP Address Change With VPN?
VPNs or Virtual Private Networks create a singular encrypted tunnel of connection. This routes your data traffic, making you the only person to have access to what you’re doing.
To answer the question, yes, it will be able to create the illusion that you are connecting from a different location. Therefore, your IP address will change.
This, in fact, is one of the main reasons why people subscribe to or purchase VPN services. They want their IP addresses to be kept safe, secure, and private.
Not only will your IP address change if you use a VP, but it’ll also give you the peace of mind that your connection is safe in terms of danger, throttling, and network congestion.
Why Change Your IP Address?
There are millions of reasons why it’s advantageous and beneficial to have a regular-changing IP address.
But, the most common of which would be because a regularly changing IP address adds a layer of safety and security to the network.
If your IP address is constantly changing, it’ll be more difficult to penetrate it. Cybercriminals such as hackers wouldn’t easily be able to enter and hijack your network.
Do note, though, that it can provide a bit of a drawback. Every time your IP address changes, your connection will temporarily be disrupted.
It’ll be turned off for about 1 millisecond or a second or until the connection is established and recognized by the device.
Read Next: Do WiFi routers track Internet History?
Conclusion
So, in case you are looking for the answer to the question does IP address change with WiFi, this is the answer!
Now, you are knowledgeable about IP addresses and you already understand how it works. You don’t need to be an expert to wrap your head around it!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.