What is WAN IP Address? Learn How to Find WAN IP

September 13, 2024 By Nancy William No Comments 7 minutes

What is an IP address? What is a WAN IP address? Every device has a unique identification number, but these numbers are of two categories, either LAN or WAN address.

However, the two are slightly different; WAN (Wide Area Network) is the IP address that is given by your ISP (Internet Service Provider), while the LAN address (Local Area Network) is the IP that is provided to your local area network host.

NOTE – The new update is that now it’s far more easier to change your WAN IP address with the help of a VPN. It’s considered the safest method, ensuring your IP is protected at all costs. FastestVPN comes with high-end encryption standards and advanced features. This way your IP is private throughout. 

There are many who are curious to know what their WAN IP address is and whether it can be changed. Yes, you can change it for privacy and other reasons, but you might not know where or how to begin. This guide shows you where to find your WAN IP address and how to change it. 

What is a WAN IP Address?

As mentioned, WAN IP is short for the Wide Area Network Internet Protocol address. It is a unique IP that is assigned towards the public-facing network side, assigned by the network administrator or ISP. It is the term and IP of one Ethernet port on your router. 

If you’re looking for ways to find your WAN IP address, it’s fairly simple. First, you need to access your router’s settings. To do that, go to your web browser and enter your router IP address. You will find that in the router instruction manual or by calling the provider. When you are logged in, locate the IP address under the router’s setup. If you don’t find it, it could also be labeled as “Internet IP.”

How to Find a WAN IP Address

There are several ways for you to find your WAN IP address. However, we’ll start with the router, which is the most convenient way. Let’s begin: 

Find a WAN IP via Router

Here’s how to begin: 

• First, you need to take track or note of your router’s default IP. You can find it under the bottom of your router box or device.  
• Go to any web browser and enter the router IP in the URL bar. 
• Click on “Enter.” 
• Now, enter your password and username to sign in. 
• Next, go to your Router’s advanced settings option. 
• Select either “Connection Settings” or “Internet Connection Settings.”
• Click on “More Settings.” 
• Look for the title named “WAN IP Address.” 
• Click on it to see your WAN IP. 

Locate Your WAN IP Address via Search Engine

Another one of the best ways to find your WAN IP address is by using any search engine. You only have to go to the Chrome browser (or your browser of choice,) type “What is my IP” and click on enter. This will automatically display your WAN IP address, which is public. 

Find WAN IP Using a Website

There are several websites and tools available to help you find your WAN IP. You can use any free website that is available in your location or check our FastestVPN IP look up tool. It’s free. 

Why Do You Want to Change Your WAN IP Address?

There are many reasons why most users want to change their WAN IPs. A few of these reasons include: 

• First and foremost, privacy and security issues are why most change their WAN IP address temporarily. This is to prevent websites from tracking and storing your data. Also, to prevent malicious links or advertisements from reaching you. 
• Many apps and websites are geo-blocked or regionally restricted. For instance, US Netflix is not available in Canada and vice versa. Changing your Wide Area Network IP helps you access them. 
• Cybercriminals can block or attack your IP address in many situations. To prevent it from happening again, you need to change your WAN IP address. 
• At times, you can enhance internet speeds by changing your WAN IP. These are usually necessary when you experience ISP throttling. 

How to Change WAN IP Address

Before you learn how to change your WAN IP address, it’s important to note that even though you can change it, it cannot happen very often. The changes and occurrences also depend on your ISP and whether you have a static or dynamic assigned IP. With that in mind, there are a couple of ways for you to change your IP. Here’s how you can start: 

Use the Best VPN

Nowadays, the easiest and safest way to change your WAN IP is with the best VPN. It helps secure and encrypt your connection. FastestVPN can help you change your IP address. Here’s how: 

• Create your FastestVPN account. Subscribe to any package.
• Download and install the VPN on your device. 
• Launch the VPN and sign in to your account. 
• Connect to the best server according to your region. 
• Your WAN IP has now been changed to another location, keeping you private online. 

Connect to Another Internet Network

If you connect to another network connection, your WAN IP automatically changes. It’s as simple as that. However, if you’re connecting to a public WiFi network, ensure that you’re using a VPN. Free networks are not safe. 

Use a Proxy

A proxy works a little like a VPN, but not entirely. You don’t have location servers that you can connect to. When you enable the proxy on your device, your IP automatically changes. However, proxies are not as safe as VPNs. They don’t come with encryption. 

Why Is a WAN IP Important?

In business terms, WANs are mostly used by businesses or large enterprises. They help connect multiple locations, sometimes across vast distances. These private corporate networks can also be public, like the Internet, which is accessible to everyone worldwide. So, why is a WAN IP address important? Here are a few reasons: 

• Geolocation and Geo-Blocks

In most cases, users often want to change their WAN IP to access numerous services or websites that are blocked. There is also the point of advertisers targeting specific users according to their locations. This is where the use of personal WAN IP addresses comes in handy. 

• Sending & Receiving Data

A WAN IP address serves as a digital address for your device, guiding data flow between you and remote networks. Whether you’re browsing websites, sending emails, or engaging in other online activities, your IP address ensures that data is sent to and received from the correct destinations.

• International Identifier

Your WAN IP address is a unique identifier for your network or device on the internet. It ensures that data packets sent to your network are delivered to the correct destination.

• Hosting Games, Events, & More

If you would like to create your own games or host gaming servers and or other online services, then the WAN IP you use enables users to locate your service via your WAN IP. 

• Get Remote Access Anywhere

If you’re traveling or working from home, a WAN IP address lets you connect to either your home or office network remotely. This is perfect for checking home security cameras while traveling or for accessing office files at home. With your IP, you can establish a connection to your network from any location.

• Troubleshoot

There are many that experience poor connection issues or slow internet. To troubleshoot these issues or make fixes, you need to contact your Internet Service Provider, who will ask for your WAN IP address to resolve them. For this reason, you need to learn how to find your WAN IP address.

Frequently Asked Questions

To Conclude

This guide highlighted what a WAN IP address is, why it’s important, how to find it, why some people change it, and how to change it. However, before proceeding with any of these tips and guides, always look up the possible hindrances behind them. For extra precaution, consider using FastestVPN to secure your new WAN IP.

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