This article will show you how to enable Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) in your router settings. This protocol automatically assigns IP addresses to devices that are connected to the router; this way, the devices will not use the same IP addresses and therefore users will not have problems connecting to the network.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: How to Find a Router Address
Windows
Step 1. Connect your computer to the Internet
Otherwise, you will not be able to determine the address of the router.
If the wireless network does not work, connect your computer to the router with a cable
Step 2. Open the Start Menu
To do this, click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen.
Step 3. Click "Options"
You will find this option in the lower left side of the Start menu.
Step 4. Click "Network and Internet"
This globe-shaped icon is located on the settings page.
Step 5. Click Network Settings
It's near the bottom of the page. You may have to scroll down the page to find this option.
Step 6. Find the number in the line "Default gateway"
This is the address of the router; using this address, you can open the router settings and activate the DHCP protocol.
Mac
Step 1. Connect your computer to the Internet
Otherwise, you will not be able to determine the address of the router.
If the wireless network does not work, connect your computer to the router with a cable
Step 2. Open the Apple menu
Click on the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen.
Step 3. Click System Preferences
It's near the top of the Apple drop-down menu.
Step 4. Click Network
This globe-shaped icon is located on the System Preferences page.
Step 5. Click on Advanced
It's in the middle of the page.
Step 6. Click the TCP / IP tab
It's at the top of the Advanced window.
Step 7. Find the number in the "Router" line
This is the address of the router; using this address, you can open the router settings and activate the DHCP protocol.
Part 2 of 2: How to enable DHCP
Step 1. Open a web browser and enter the address of the router
The page for accessing the router's settings will open.
Step 2. Enter your credentials to access the router's settings
Most router settings are protected by username and password. If you have not changed the default password, you can find it in the instructions for your router.
- Also, the default password can be found on the router manufacturer's website by its model.
- If you forget your password, please reset your router to factory settings.
Step 3. Open the router settings
The interface of the settings page depends on the router model.
Step 4. Find the "DHCP" section
Typically, it is located under the “Network Settings” or similar tab. If the specified tab does not have a DHCP section, look for it in the Advanced, Setup, or Local Network tabs.
Step 5. Enable DHCP
To do this, check the box next to the “Enable” option, move the slider, or click the button. In some cases, open the "Disabled" drop-down menu and then select "Enabled".
Probably, in the settings, you can specify the number of devices that will be connected to the router. It is not recommended to enter too small a number, as this will lead to connection failures of one or more devices
Step 6. Save the settings
To do this, click “Save” or “Apply”. You may need to restart your router for the changes to take effect.
Advice
If you are going to change the settings of the router, follow the advice given in the instructions for the router (because the interface of the settings page depends on the router model)
Warnings
- Make sure you have physical access to your router in case you need to reset it.
- Never enable DHCP if the network is not secure (i.e. there is no password for it).