IP & DHCP Issues

IP and DHCP issues are some of the most frustrating network problems because they often look random: devices connect to Wi-Fi but can’t access the internet, printers disappear, or one laptop works while another shows “connected, no internet.” This subcategory explains how IP addressing works in plain language and helps you solve the most common DHCP and IP conflicts without needing advanced networking knowledge. DHCP is the process where your router assigns a device an IP address, subnet, gateway, and DNS settings. If DHCP fails, a device might assign itself a fallback address, end up with no gateway, or receive the wrong DNS — causing partial or total connectivity failure. The guides teach you how to identify DHCP vs other issues: check whether the device has a valid IP, whether the gateway is reachable, and whether the issue appears across multiple devices or only one. You’ll learn common root causes: router DHCP pool exhaustion (too many devices), stale leases, duplicate IP addresses (especially when devices use “static IP” incorrectly), broken network adapters, VPN software interfering with routes, or misconfigured subnet settings. The guides give you safe step-by-step fixes: release/renew IP, forget/reconnect Wi-Fi, restart router, adjust DHCP range, remove static IP mistakes, and reserve addresses properly for devices that need stable IPs (printers, NAS, smart home hubs). This section also covers practical home-network tasks that require IP understanding: finding a device’s IP address, logging into your router, setting up local services, and solving “can’t connect to printer” or “can’t reach NAS” scenarios. You’ll learn what “IP conflict” looks like, why it happens, and how to prevent it with DHCP reservations rather than manual static IPs sprinkled across devices. Another focus is multi-router and ISP modem/router setups, which frequently create confusing problems such as double NAT, overlapping DHCP servers, and devices being placed on different networks unexpectedly. The guides show how to detect when two devices are handing out IPs and how to restore a clean layout: one router does routing and DHCP; the others act as access points. This is especially important when adding mesh systems, extenders, or a second router for coverage. Finally, you’ll get checklists for stability: keep DHCP leases sane, document reserved IPs, avoid random static configurations, and ensure your network range matches your actual device count. If your network feels “haunted” — devices disappearing or refusing to connect — IP and DHCP are often the real story, and this subcategory helps you fix it with confidence.