10.0.0.3 is a private IPv4 address. It’s one of the addresses from the block of private addresses within class A. All the addresses from the 10.0.0.0/8 subnetwork belong to this block and they are all private which means that they can only be used inside private networks and that they are not routable on the internet. This address can be assigned to routers (and other networking devices) by router manufacturers as a default gateway or it can be assigned to some device connected to a home wi-fi network (if your router’s default gateway is 10.0.0.1 or 10.0.0.2). If 10.0.0.1 or 10.0.0.2 is your router’s default gateway, 10.0.0.3 will be the first or second IP address in the DHCP pool and it can be assigned to a device connected to the network automatically or manually.
10.0.0.3 as a Dynamic IP – Automatic Assignment
The automatic assignment is the default way of assigning IP addresses. IP addresses are assigned by your router (which is also your DHCP server) in a sequential order or randomly. If your router’s default gateway is 10.0.0.1 or 10.0.0.2 and if the addresses are assigned in a sequential order 10.0.0.3 will be assigned to the second/first device connected to your wi-fi network.
When an IP address is assigned automatically, it is actually leased to your device for a certain period of time. When the lease time expires, the DHCP server will try to communicate with your device and if your device is still connected, the lease will be renewed. If your device is disconnected, the IP address returns back to the DHCP pool and becomes available again. The same address will be assigned to the next device connected to your wi-fi network.
10.0.0.3 as Static IP – Manual Assignment
If you need this IP address permanently assigned to your device (printer, for example), you can assign it manually. In order to do that, you can access your router’s configuration page and reserve this address in the DHCP settings or you can make some changes in the TCP/IPv4 settings (enter IP address you want to assign, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server IP address) without accessing the router’s configuration page.
Hello, I am Anthony Stuart…
I am writer and editor at RouterInstructions. I’ve been working as a network specialist for various employers for almost 15 years. In my lifetime, I have installed thousands of routers, modems, bridges, switches, etc. My job also includes designing, monitoring, and maintaining local area networks (LANs) as well as wide area networks (WANs). I want to share my knowledge and experience with you and help you understand the basics of IP addressing. I am also going to write about routers, network security, and other network-related topics.