Understanding IP Addresses, Subnets, and DNS (2026)
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Quick note: Supacells is an independent information site. We don’t provide IT services. This article is educational only.
IP addresses, subnets, and DNS are the invisible plumbing of internet connectivity. You don’t need to be a network engineer to use the internet, but understanding the basics helps you troubleshoot connectivity, set up network features, and make informed decisions about privacy and security.
What Is an IP Address?
An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique identifier for a device on a network — like a postal address for digital communications.
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| IPv4 | 192.168.1.100 |
| IPv6 | 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334 |
IPv4 has limited addresses (4.3 billion); IPv6 was created to provide many more (340 undecillion).
IPv4 vs IPv6
| Feature | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 32-bit | 128-bit |
| Format | 4 numbers (0-255) | 8 hexadecimal groups |
| Number of addresses | 4.3 billion | 340 undecillion |
| Status | Still dominant | Increasing adoption |
| Devices | Most | Many modern |
In 2026, both coexist; most devices use IPv4 with IPv6 supported.
Public vs Private IP
| Type | Where | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Visible on internet | Your modem’s external IP (changes) |
| Private | Inside your network | 192.168.1.x typical |
Your home router has:
- Public IP (assigned by ISP, used by internet)
- Private IP (used by devices within your home)
Common Private IP Ranges
These are reserved for private networks:
| Range | Use |
|---|---|
| 10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255 | Large networks |
| 172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255 | Mid-size networks |
| 192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255 | Home/small office |
Most home routers use 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.x by default.
How Devices Get IP Addresses
Two methods:
DHCP (automatic)
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | Device joins network |
| 2 | Device asks router for IP |
| 3 | Router assigns IP from available pool |
| 4 | Device uses assigned IP |
| 5 | Lease expires; device renews |
This is default for most devices — happens automatically.
Static (manual)
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | You manually assign IP to device |
| 2 | Device uses that IP permanently |
Useful for servers, printers, network devices that need consistent IP.
What Is a Subnet?
A subnet is a logical division of a network. Subnets have:
- A range of IP addresses
- A subnet mask defining the range
- Devices within can communicate directly
| Subnet | What It Defines |
|---|---|
| 192.168.1.0/24 | Range 192.168.1.0 – 192.168.1.255 (256 addresses) |
| /24 | Indicates 24-bit subnet mask |
| Smaller numbers (/16) | Larger subnets |
| Larger numbers (/30) | Smaller subnets |
Most home networks use /24 subnets.
What Is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names to IP addresses.
| Step | Example |
|---|---|
| 1 | You type “google.com” |
| 2 | Browser asks DNS server for IP |
| 3 | DNS responds: 142.251.46.46 |
| 4 | Browser connects to that IP |
| 5 | Site loads |
DNS is “the internet’s phonebook.”
DNS Resolvers
Common DNS providers:
| Provider | Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 | Fast, popular |
| Cloudflare DNS | 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 | Privacy-focused |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | Security-filtering |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220 | Family filters available |
| ISP DNS | Varies | Default but sometimes slow |
You can change your DNS in router settings to potentially speed up browsing or improve privacy.
Why DNS Matters
| Issue | Cause |
|---|---|
| Some sites slow to load | DNS slow |
| ”Server not found” errors | DNS issue |
| Sites blocked at school/work | DNS blocking |
| ISP tracks browsing | DNS provider sees queries |
| Phishing protection | DNS filtering can block |
Switching to faster DNS (Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Google 8.8.8.8) can improve page load times.
DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT)
Modern privacy improvement:
- Encrypts DNS queries
- Prevents ISP from seeing your DNS lookups
- Major browsers and OSes support
- Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 supports both
This is significant for privacy.
How to Find Your Devices’ IP Addresses
On Your Computer
| OS | Command |
|---|---|
| Windows | ipconfig (in Command Prompt) |
| Mac | System Preferences → Network |
| Linux | ip addr or ifconfig |
On Your Network
Router admin page shows all connected devices with IPs.
Practical Network Tasks
Find your router’s IP
Default gateway is your router’s local IP. To find:
- Windows:
ipconfigshows “Default Gateway” - Mac: System Preferences → Network → Advanced → TCP/IP
Common defaults: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 192.168.86.1.
Login to router admin
Open browser, type router’s IP. Login with admin credentials (usually on router label).
Set static IP for printer
In router admin → DHCP reservations. Assign specific IP to printer’s MAC address.
Common IP / DNS Issues
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Some sites won’t load | DNS issue | Change DNS to Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 |
| ”IP conflict” warning | Two devices same IP | Reboot router |
| Slow page loads | DNS slow | Change DNS |
| Can’t reach printer | Printer IP changed | Set static IP for printer |
| Multiple devices “no internet” | DHCP issue | Reboot router |
Privacy Considerations
Your IP and DNS expose info:
- Public IP — reveals approximate location
- DNS queries — show what sites you visit
- ISP sees both — unless using VPN or DoH
For privacy:
- Use DoH-enabled DNS (Cloudflare, etc.)
- VPN encrypts both IP visibility and DNS
- Some browsers (Firefox, Chrome) support DoH directly
Helpful Resources
📖 ICANN — internet naming authority.
📖 IANA — IP address assignments.
📖 DNS provider sites (Cloudflare, Google) — setup guides.
FAQ — IP Addresses, Subnets, DNS
Q: What’s my IP address? A: Public IP (what websites see) — search “what is my IP”. Private IP (within home) — see your computer’s network settings.
Q: Should I use a different DNS than my ISP’s? A: Often yes — Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 or Google 8.8.8.8 are faster than many ISPs.
Q: Will changing DNS speed up my internet? A: Page loads start faster but actual download speed is unchanged.
Q: What’s the difference between DNS and VPN? A: DNS translates names to IPs. VPN encrypts your traffic. Different functions.
Q: Do I need IPv6? A: Most devices support both. Both work for typical use. Most users don’t need to think about it.
Related Reading on Supacells
- Essential Networking Tools for Home and Small Office
- VPN Explained: How It Works
- Best Free Network Diagnostic Tools
- Smart Home Networking Basics
- How to Build a Reliable Home Network
Bottom Line
IP addresses identify devices. Public IP is your internet-facing address; private IP is inside your network. DNS translates names to IPs (“internet phonebook”). Switching to faster DNS (Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Google 8.8.8.8) can speed up browsing. DoH-enabled DNS improves privacy.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Supacells does not provide IT services.
By Supacells Editorial · Updated May 9, 2026
- IP address
- DNS
- networking basics