Emails/Forums Say My IP is X, Avast Says My IP is Y....How Possible?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the discrepancy between the IP address reported by Gmail and Yahoo! Mail (X) and the one identified by Avast Premium Security's WiFi Inspector (Y). Users clarified that the public IP address assigned by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) is different from the private IP addresses assigned by the router, typically in the 192.168.x.x range. This private IP address is not trackable over the internet, which explains why multiple devices can share the same local IP while having distinct public IPs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between public and private IP addresses in network security.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of IP address types: public vs. private
  • Familiarity with router configurations and local network setups
  • Knowledge of network security principles
  • Basic usage of antivirus software like Avast Premium Security
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between public and private IP addresses
  • Learn how to configure router settings for enhanced security
  • Explore the functionality of network scanning tools like Avast WiFi Inspector
  • Investigate best practices for maintaining online privacy and security
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for network administrators, cybersecurity professionals, and individuals seeking to understand IP address management and online privacy issues.

kyphysics
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In Gmail and Yahoo! Mail, my IP address is listed as X (not going to post it for obvious privacy reasons) when I search "recent activity" in my account settings. Various forums (where I can see it) also corroborate X.

However, when I use Avast Premium Security's WiFi Inspector, which scans my network, it says there are several devices logged into it. My laptop (only one of its kind) has an IP of Y (and none of the other devices have an IP of X).

How would it be possible that my anti-virus protection says my IP is one thing and other presumably trustworthy sources say it's something else?
 
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You have a router which gives out one IP and since your computer and other devices are plugged into it or wirelessly connected to it they will have one IP address relative to the router network usually 192.168.xx.xx
 
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jedishrfu said:
You have a router which gives out one IP and since your computer and other devices are plugged into it or wirelessly connected to it they will have one IP address relative to the router network usually 192.168.xx.xx
192...is right...won't comment on the other part (for now).

Is taht some standard IP for ALL routers? How did you guess that right? If it's really all the same, does that open up easy tracking or hacking then? I thought people liked to keep IP private from others?
 
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The 192.168 usage has been common to closed networks as far as I know. Hence its useless for tracking.

Your routers public IP is trackable though as a necessary feature of internet usage.

https://192-168-1-1ip.mobi/
 
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jedishrfu said:
The 192.168 usage has been common to closed networks as far as I know. Hence its useless for tracking.

192.168.x.x is one of the three ranges reserved for private networks. By design data sent from or to such an address does not travel over the internet. That's why your router has a different public-facing address assigned by your ISP.
 
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