How to Choose IP Range
Networked computers connect to a router using a range of IP addresses. Choose your range with these tips.
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You Will Need
- Computer network
Steps
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Step 1
Know the ranges
Learn the three IP ranges: 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255, 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255, and 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255.
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Don't use the 172.16 range, as it is hardly ever used and could cause problems along the way.
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Step 2
Identify network size
Decide how large and complex your network is. A large network is more than 200 computers, and is likely to grow and branch off into multiple networks. A small network is fewer than 200 computers.
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Step 3
Choose the small range
Choose the 192.168 range for small networks. This option will give you 256 IP Addresses.
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Step 4
Use 10 for the large range
Use the 10.0.0.0 range for large networks.
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Step 5
Avoid common ranges
Avoid using common ranges such as 10.0.0.0 to 10.0.0.255, 192.168.000 to 192.168.0.255, and 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.255. A common range makes it easier for a hacker to break into the network.
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Because of the number of digits in IP addresses, there are around four billion individual IP address possibilities, and they are rapidly running out.
