192.168.1.16 is a class C private IPv4 address. Along with all the other 192.168.x.x, it belongs to the block of private addresses within class C. Private addresses are reserved for use inside private networks and cannot be routed on the internet.
When a private address is assigned to a router, modem, or some other networking or wireless device by the manufacturer, it’s called default gateway address. Manufacturers can choose any private address from any class and assign it to their devices. Some addresses are more popular than others and they get assigned to routers and modems more often. 192.168.1.16 is not among those addresses (addresses like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.1.254 are much more popular).
On the other hand, 192.168.1.16 can be assigned (by your home router) to your PC, phone, tablet, or any other device connected to your home network. If your router’s default gateway is 192.168.1.1 or 92.168.1.254, this address will probably be one of the available addresses in the DHCP pool and can be assigned to your devices.
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Assigning 192.168.1.16 Automatically (Dynamic IP)
If you don’t make any changes regarding DHCP settings, your home router will automatically assign an IP address to every device that joins your home network. If 192.168.1.16 is one of the addresses inside the DHCP pool, it can be assigned to some of your devices. If the addresses are assigned in a sequential order (which is usually the case) and if the starting IP address is 192.168.1.2, then 192.168.1.16 will be assigned to the 15th device that joins the network. Depending on the way the DHCP pool is defined, 192.168.1.16 could even be assigned to the first device connected to the network (if the DHCP pool starts at 192.168.1.16). If the address is assigned to some device automatically, it’s called dynamic IP address. Dynamic IP addresses are not permanently assigned to one device. When you disconnect your device, the address becomes available again and can be assigned to some other device. So, the same IP address doesn’t have to be assigned to the same device every time.
Assigning 192.168.1.16 Manually (Static IP)
If you want some address to be permanently assigned to your device, you have to make it static. In order to assign 192.168.1.16 as a static IP, you have to access your router’s configuration page and make a DHCP reservation, or you can assign the address manually in TCP/IPv4 settings.
Assigning a static IP address is not a complicated task but you still have to be careful. Before you assign some address to your device, check if the address is inside the DHCP pool and if it’s already assigned to some device (or already reserved). If you ignore the fact that the address is already assigned to some device and assign it manually to your PC, 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.