Router - Second IP address

[Geffers]

I've got a TP-Link Model No. TD-W9970 router, not the most elaborate of devices I know but there is an option to set a second IP address. Not to be confused with a virtual LAN, this option is available, creates a different subnet with its own DHCP range.

I may be missing something obvious but am wondering why would one need a second IP address for a router. Just to see the effect I created a second IP address within a different subnet, works fine, can access router configuration via second address but wee bit baffled as to purpose.

Anyone any ideas?

Geffers

 

[Crims]

I've got a TP-Link Model No. TD-W9970 router, not the most elaborate of devices I know but there is an option to set a second IP address. Not to be confused with a virtual LAN, this option is available, creates a different subnet with its own DHCP range.

I may be missing something obvious but am wondering why would one need a second IP address for a router. Just to see the effect I created a second IP address within a different subnet, works fine, can access router configuration via second address but wee bit baffled as to purpose.

Anyone any ideas?

Geffers

It's kind of odd that, so you need a IP address to alternate with? I would say it is more effective with data transfer. I used a boost for my wifi connection. Actually, now that you mention it, I've got a Virgin Media box downstairs, but it's not as good as the TP Link, so I use two as well.

 

[Retro]

I may be missing something obvious but am wondering why would one need a second IP address for a router.

It seems to be a virtual LAN in some sense and it could maybe be used to host a web server for example that needs to be kept separate from the internal network. This LAN where a website sits is on a different network port and that network is often called the "demilitarized zone" in firewall lingo for some reason.

I haven't seen this feature before, either.

 

[Geffers]

It seems to be a virtual LAN in some sense and it could maybe be used to host a web server for example that needs to be kept separate from the internal network. This LAN where a website sits is on a different network port and that network is often called the "demilitarized zone" in firewall lingo for some reason.

I haven't seen this feature before, either.

I do use a vlan, handy to separate IoT devices from others. These second IP address options are weird. Once set the router can be pinged on this new address, browser can access config page on new address. If I create a static route to a device with an IP address within the new range it can access the internet but is not separate from my normal network. Both different subnets can ping each other. Pretty sure I've got the net masks correct but have fiddled with them.

Works but although fixed IP in different subnet acts as though same subnet.

Geffers

 

[Retro]

hmmm... certainly sounds odd. Does Googling it not help?

 

[Geffers]

hmmm... certainly sounds odd. Does Googling it not help?

Not sure how I'd enter the phrase to search. Maybe chatGPT can help

Geffers

 

[aussiefooty]

Ask your ISP.

 

[Geffers]

Ask your ISP.

It is a second local LAN address so not related to ISP.

Geffers

 

[aussiefooty]

It is a second local LAN address so not related to ISP.

Geffers

They might be able to help you.
i'm with telstra here in australia and have that too. It's part of their smart modem technology.

 

[Geffers]

They might be able to help you.
i'm with telstra here in australia and have that too. It's part of their smart modem technology.

It is not their supplied router.

Geffers

 

[aussiefooty]

It is not their supplied router.

Geffers

What router is it mate?

Because i will give you an example if it's TP Link it's supplied by TPG who use those routers.
You can always get your isp's help. Even if it's not their router.
For example you might use data link instead of TP link.
Both of those are fine.
Just ask your isp because they can actually help you

 

[Geffers]

hmmm... certainly sounds odd. Does Googling it not help?

Might try chat GPT or bard. But having said that it was mere curiosity rather than something I desperately needed to find out,

Geffers

 

[Geffers]

What router is it mate?

Because i will give you an example if it's TP Link it's supplied by TPG who use those routers.
You can always get your isp's help. Even if it's not their router.
For example you might use data link instead of TP link.
Both of those are fine.
Just ask your isp because they can actually help you

TP Link Model No. TD-W9970

It was mere curiosity, I do use vlan with a completely different subnet. Also can have a different subnet if I set a route in 'router's' config page.

Geffers