Checking Your IP and Network Settings

List your addresses

Confirm that the interface is up and has an IP, subnet mask or prefix, default gateway, and DNS servers.

# Linux
ip address
ip route
resolvectl status

# Windows
ipconfig /all

Read the important fields

• IPv4 address — who you are on this network
• Subnet mask or prefix — who is local
• Default gateway — where non-local traffic goes first
• DNS servers — who answers name lookups

Renew when stuck on DHCP

Most home devices receive settings automatically from DHCP. Renewing can fix a stale or missing lease.

# Linux (method varies by distro)
sudo dhclient -r && sudo dhclient
# or with NetworkManager:
nmcli connection down "Wired connection 1" && nmcli connection up "Wired connection 1"

# Windows
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

Compare wired and wireless

Check the interface you are actually using. A laptop can show a valid Ethernet address while traffic is failing on Wi-Fi, or the reverse.