192.168.0.12 is a private IPv4 address. It belongs to the block of private addresses within Class C. All the addresses from this block (all 192.168.0.0/16 addresses) are reserved for use inside private networks. You don’t need any special permission if you want to assign some private IP address to your device connected to a private network.
Router and modem manufacturers assign private IP addresses to their networking devices. An IP address assigned to a router, modem, or some other networking device is called a default gateway. Some IP addresses are much more popular than others when it comes to default gateways. 192.168.0.12 is not among common gateway addresses and only Luxul assigns this address to its wireless access point XAP-1030. So, if you want to configure Luxul access point, you can type in this address in your browser and access the configuration page.
Some other addresses like 192.168.0.1, 192.168.0.10, or 192.168.0.254 are much more popular choices when it comes to default gateways. If your router’s default gateway is one of these addresses, there’s a great chance that the address from the title (192.168.0.12) will be one of the available addresses in the DHCP pool. If the address is inside the DHCP pool, it could be assigned (automatically or manually) to a device connected to your home network.
192.168.0.12 – Automatic Assignment
If your router’s default gateway is one of those previously mentioned common gateways, 192.168.0.12 could be one of the addresses in the DHCP pool and could be assigned to some device connected to your home network.
Let’s assume that your default gateway is 192.168.0.10. The DHCP pool usually starts with the next available address (192.168.0.11) and that address will be assigned to the first device that joins the network. The address from the title (192.168.0.12) will be assigned to the next device. This address is not permanently assigned to your device. So, when you disconnect your device, the address goes back to the DHCP pool, it becomes available again, and it can be assigned to some other device. That’s why it’s called dynamic IP address.
192.168.0.12 – Manual Assignment
If you want this address to be assigned to your device every time it joins your home network, you will have to assign it manually. There is more than one way to do that. You can make some changes in TCP/IPv4 settings or you can open your router’s configuration page, go to DHCP settings, and make a DHCP reservation.
When assigning 192.168.0.12 manually, you have to be careful and check if the address is inside the DHCP pool and if it’s available. If the address is already taken (assigned to some other device), you can’t assign it to your device. If you ignore the fact that the address is taken, you will cause an IP conflict and both devices will be disconnected from the network.
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.