Reference
Router & networking glossary
Plain-language definitions for the terms you will see in our IP pages, brand guides, and tools.
Glossary terms
- Default gateway
- The LAN IP of your router that devices use to reach the internet and the admin panel. Common examples: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, and 10.0.0.1.
- All IP pages Public vs local vs gateway
- Private IP / local IP
- An address used only inside your home network (e.g. 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x). It is not your public internet address.
- What is my local IP? What is my IP?
- Public IP
- The address your ISP assigns to your connection on the internet. Websites see this IP, not your router’s 192.168.x.x address.
- What is my IP?
- SSID
- The Wi‑Fi network name broadcast by your router. You can rename it in the admin panel after logging in at the gateway IP.
- Admin password vs Wi‑Fi password
- The admin password unlocks the router settings page. The Wi‑Fi password lets devices join the wireless network. They are often different — check the sticker for both.
- How to log into your router Find Wi-Fi password Default passwords
- Firmware
- The software running on your router. Updates can fix bugs and security issues; always use the manufacturer’s official download when updating.
- Firmware update guide
- DNS
- Domain Name System translates website names into IP addresses. Your router often hands out DNS to devices; public resolvers like 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 are not router login pages.
- DNS lookup tool
- Bridge mode
- A modem/gateway setting that disables its router features so another router can handle Wi‑Fi and NAT. In bridge mode, the old gateway admin IP may no longer work as before.
- Factory reset
- Holding the reset button (usually 10 to 15 seconds) restores factory defaults: default admin password, Wi-Fi name/password, and often the original gateway IP. Custom settings are erased.
- How to reset a router 192.168.1.1 not working
- WPA2 / WPA3
- Wi‑Fi security protocols. Prefer WPA2 or WPA3 for home networks; avoid outdated WEP when possible.
- ONT / ISP gateway
- Equipment supplied by your internet provider (fibre ONT or cable gateway). Login IPs and passwords are often printed on a label and may differ from retail router defaults.
- Xfinity / 10.0.0.1 Browse brands
- Port forwarding
- A router setting that sends inbound internet traffic on a chosen port to a specific device on your LAN. Used for gaming, cameras, or self-hosted services.
- Port forwarding guide
Explore related resources
Jump between tools, gateway IP guides, and brand setup pages without guessing URLs.