
This is a very important because when you set your computer to a static IP address, the router doesn't know that a computer is already using that IP address. The router then hands the computer an IP address that has not already been handed out to another computer. Every time a computer reboots it asks the router for an IP address. When IP addresses are assigned dynamically, it is the router's job to assign them. You can simply plug in your computer and the network will work. Routers do this because having a dynamic IP address network requires no configuration on your part. Your router most likely assigns dynamic IP addresses by default.

If you want to know more about how networks work check out the information here. There is a lot of information at the following link. If two computers end up with the same IP address neither will be able to connect to the Internet.

Two computers on the same network should never have the same IP Address. Every computer on your network has at least one ip address. IP addresses are four sets of numbers that are separated by periods that allow computers to identify each other. When this happens the ports are no longer forwarded to that computer's IP address. But after restarting your computer it may use a different IP address. If you don't setup a static IP address the port forward will probably work the first time.

When you setup port forwarding your router forwards ports to the IP address you specify. It's important to setup a static IP address if you are planning on forwarding ports. J(Last Updated: September 17, 2021) | Reading Time: 6 minutes
