Did you ever wonder what an IP address is? An IP address is a unique ID number given to everything connected to the internet. You’ll get one when you connect to your cable modem. This IP provides a unique identifier for each device on a local network to help transfer data to the correct place.
A Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server — a type of network server — assigns IPs. The DHCP server “leases” your IP to you.
IP addresses aren’t permanent. Yours won’t change often, but sometimes, due to system maintenance, you'll get a short-term DHCP lease. A short-term DHCP lease is a temporary IP address that expires after a set amount of time.
A device that’s set up correctly will auto renew the DHCP lease. There should be no halt to service.
Sometimes, the DHCP lease won’t automatically renew. Then, you might need to manually release and renew your IP address before you can go online.
Why was I assigned a short-term DHCP?
A few common reasons are:
- You connected a new device, or a device with a new network card, for the first time.
- You used an old device for the first time in a while, and the server thinks it’s a new connection.
- You connected with a device not configured for the server.
- You'll need to get DHCP setup instructions for your router from the manufacturer.
- Your connected device isn’t working right.
- Server or network maintenance.
You might have to manually release and renew your IP address. This may happen when you:
- Have a power outage.
- Move your computer.
- Get a new router.
- Reconfigure your home network.
Here’s how to reset your IP address.
Windows 10/11
- Press Windows and R key at the same time to open the Run box.
- Type CMD and press Enter.
- Type ipconfig/release in the Command Prompt window. Press the Enter key.
- Type ipconfig/renew. Press Enter.
- Type Exit and press Enter to close the window.
Mac OS X
- Close any open internet apps (web browsers, email, etc.).
- Choose the Apple icon and select System Settings.
- Click Network.
- Choose your mode of connection (Airport, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.) in the network connection services list.
- Click Details.
- Select TCP/IP.
- Click Renew DHCP Lease.
- Open a browser and connect to the internet.
Additional information
Visit our Online Support Center to find common solutions.
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