Leaving the local network

The default gateway is the next router used when no more specific route matches. At home, it is usually the router’s local address. A gateway address is not the same as a public IP: one helps the device choose a route, while the other describes its external connection appearance.

Distinguish the symptoms

If a local printer works but external sites do not, inspect the gateway and upstream connection. DNS is another candidate when only domain names fail. A missing ping reply from the gateway does not by itself prove that it is offline; the device may restrict ICMP responses.

Multiple active connections

With Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and a VPN active, multiple routes may exist. The operating system selects a path according to the destination and routing preferences. Verify the active path when checking the IP seen online. Arbitrarily changing a gateway can also break access to otherwise working local resources.

Local access works, internet does not

If a local file server works but external sites fail, compare the gateway with a working device on the same network. A different value is not proof of error because VPNs or separate subnets may be involved. Verify that the configurations are comparable, then inspect the router’s upstream connection and distinguish DNS failures separately.

Put it into practice

Inspect one public IP, or compare a list of addresses with the bulk lookup tool. Location results are approximate.

Single lookup ↗ Bulk lookup ↗