Finding network addresses for a traffic counter.
How to find the IP, Subnet and Gateway for traffic counter programming.
Table of Contents
Overview
This process assumes that you have very little to no IT networking knowledge or an out sourced IT group as well as are unable to access your DHCP server or router.
Use the following steps to verify your store network to determine the following.
- Subnet of the local LAN network in the store
- Gateway of the Local LAN network in the store
- Which IP address to provide to a traffic counter which will not conflict with other devices on the network
Step 1. Determine the Subnet and Gateway
Process: From a computer in the store perform the steps indicated in this link dependent on the OS of the computer - https://www.tp-link.com/us/faq-838.html -
This will provide the Subnet (Example 255.255.255.0 and Gateway (Example 192.168.0.1 - *Usually ends in 1 or 254 – X.Y.Z.1 or X.Y.Z.254) of the locations network.
*Important* Disconnect any VPN or Cloud connection software which may be enable to obtain the correct information. Example: Cisco AnyConnect Client, Forticlient...ect
Step 2. Scan for network IP that are already in use by other equipment in your location.
Install and use this application from the computer used in the 1st step to scan the store network to determine which devices already have what IP address.
https://www.advanced-ip-scanner.com
Typically we want an unused IP address for the counter. Typical IP range for a subnet of 255.255.255.0 is X.Y.Z.2-253.
Step 3. Determine what IP address to use for a traffic counter
IP Address: Step 2 provides what is in use, the example above shows 3 computers on the network
- Barney - IP address 192.168.0.104
- Pumba - 192.168.0.105
- John - 192.168.0.106
The range shows 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.254 therefore Everything between 2-253 except - 104, 105 and 106 is available. In attempt to make a standard, SMS recommends .50 or .100.
So in the case of the example, the 1st traffic counter could be on 192.168.0.100 and a 2nd on 192.168.0.101
Subnet: Determined by Step 1
Gateway: Determined by Step 1