192.168.2.3 is a private IPv4 address. It belongs to the block of private addresses within class C (just like all the 192.168.x.x addresses). All these private addresses are reserved for use on private networks, they are not routable on the internet and can’t be accessed from outside the network.
192.168.2.3 is not a common default gateway. There is no specific rule when it comes to default gateways – manufacturers can assign any private address to their networking devices (routers, modems, bridges, etc.) but some addresses happen to be more popular than others.
On the other hand,192.168.2.1 is used by many manufacturers – Actiontec, Airlink, Airlive, Asus, Azztech, Belkin, Edimax, Linksys, Microsoft, Siemens, SMC Networks, Trendnet, Zoom, ZyXEL, etc.
If your router’s default gateway is 192.168.2.1, the address from the title will probably be one of the addresses inside the DHCP pool and it can be assigned to some device connected to your network.
192.168.2.3 can be assigned automatically (as a dynamic IP) or manually (as a static IP).
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Assigning 192.168.2.3 Automatically (Dynamic IP)
If you don’t change the default router settings, your router will automatically assign an IP address to every device that gets connected to your network. So, let’s assume that your router’s default gateway is 192.168.2.1. The DHCP pool will usually start at 192.168.2.2 and 192.168.2.3 will be automatically assigned to the second device that joins the network. When the device disconnects and the DHCP lease time expires, the address gets 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. It’s not permanently assigned to a specific device.
Assigning 192.168.2.3 Manually (Static IP)
If you need this address to be permanently assigned to a specific device, you have to assign it manually and make it static. That way, 192.168.2.3 will be assigned to that specific device every time it gets connected to your home network.
In order to assign 192.168.2.3 (or any other IP address) manually to some device, you can make a reservation in DHCP pool or type in the address in your TCP/IPv4 settings.
When assigning some IP address manually, you are supposed to check if the address is inside the DHCP pool and if it’s already assigned to some device. If the address is already assigned to some other device, don’t ignore this fact and don’t assign it to your PC. If you assign it, you will cause an IP conflict.
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.