How to Find the IP Address, Subnet Mask & Gateway of a Computer
By Allen Bethea
Like an employee's social security number, every computer, smartphone or wireless device that uses your company's network has a unique IP, or Internet Protocol, address assigned to it. You can find a computer's IP address, the subnet mask used to calculate it and the gateway address needed to reach networked devices outside of your subnet using command line or graphical utilities provided by your operating system.
Windows Computers
Launch the Windows command prompt.
Type "ipconfig" at the command line.
Press the "Enter" key to display the IP address, subnet mask and the default network gateway.
Ubuntu Linux
Launch the Terminal application.
Type "ifconfig" at the terminal prompt, then press the "Enter" key. The IP address is labeled as "inet addr." The subnet is labeled as "Mask."
Type "netstat -r" at the command prompt, then press the "Enter" key to view the gateway address.
OS X Wired Ethernet
Launch the System Preferences utility.
Click the “Network” icon.
Select "Ethernet Connected" for wired networks to see your IP address and subnet mask. The gateway address is labeled "Router."
OS X Wi-Fi Connections
Launch the System Preferences utility.
Click the “Network” icon.
Select "Wi-Fi." In some versions of OS X, the term “Airport” is used instead of “Wi-Fi.”
Click the “Advanced” button.
Click the “TCPIP” tab to see your IP address and subnet mask. The gateway address is labeled "Router."
Tips
You can find your company’s public IP address used on the Internet by using websites such as Google.com, Whatismyipaddress.com or Whatismyip.com. To use Google, type "what is my ip" in the Google search input box. Your IP address will display automatically when you go to the home page of Whatismyip.com or Whatismyipaddress.com.
Warnings
Your PC's IP address may change when your computer is turned off and restarted later. Most device IP addresses are assigned automatically using DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, utilities. DHCP programs choose a unique IP address for networked devices such as your PC, smartphone or wireless printers from the range of addresses available in a particular subnetwork.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Allen Bethea has written articles on programming, web design,operating systems and computer hardware since 2002. He holds a Bachelor of Science from UNC-Chapel Hill and AAS degrees in office technology, mechanical engineering/drafting and internet technology. Allen has extensive experience with desktop and system software for both Windows and Linux operating systems.