Dynamic/Static IP Address

SepticTone · 11-08-2010, 22:57

It appears that I've been assigned a static IP address by Virgin/my modem and I'd like to change my IP address.

When I was with BT I always had a dynamic IP addy, which I preferred.

Is there any way of changing my default IP address without having to call Virgin & go through all the palaver of call centres, etc.?

**Stuart** · 11-08-2010, 23:09

VM don't provide static IPs on their residential service.

What they do provide is what one operator I spoke to called "Sticky" IPs. This means that when your modem requests a new IP, the virgin servers will issue the same IP it had unless that IP has been taken by something else in the meantime.

I don't think any operator can directly change what IP you are issued.

I believe if you change the Mac address of the device attached to the modem, then reboot the modem, you will be issued a new IP.

to the forum, BTW.

**Rob** · 11-08-2010, 23:09

It would be unusual for you to have a static IP. But Dynamic IPs are issued on a lease which takes some time to renew. Simply rebooting the cable modem will likely get the old leased IP back again.

To change IP you need to change the mac address of the network card attached to the modem. Easy enough if you use a router, changed the IP (look for the clone function), reboot modem and router and see what you get.

edit: must type faster

SepticTone · 11-08-2010, 23:21

Thanks for your speedy replies, guys & thanks for the welcome.

I rebooted the cable modem ( waited 10 mins after powering down), but still the same IP addy when I checked.

I don't have the router connected, btw, just the modem.

I'll look into the mac address thing on the lan card, but in the meantime, do you think just powering off the system overnight might get me a different IP address?

**Rob** · 11-08-2010, 23:39

The "lease" can be a significant time. You can try overnight, but it might be loinger than that

SepticTone · 11-08-2010, 23:45

Thank you very much for the help. I checked the 'lease' via cmd prompt>ipconfig/all & noticed 'lease' in the info: it started at 21.40 today & expires 00.25 on 12/8/10, so it's fairly short, it seems. I'll turn it off overnight & report back.

Very useful pointers, thanks again, Rob & Stuart.

SepticTone · 12-08-2010, 21:15

Well, I turned off & disconnected everything for nearly 24 hours, powered up again, waited til the modem rebooted & settled down...... & I've Still got the same IP address . Hmmmpphhh!

I rechecked with command prompt>ipconfig/all & it shows against 'IPV4 (address) my original Ip addy (81.875.987.***) with "Preferred" after it.
Think I could flush this IP addy out & get a new one by doing 'ipconfig/release', disconnecting everything for another 15 hours or so then do 'ipconfig/renew'?

**Kymmy** · 12-08-2010, 21:17

You need to change the MAC on your NIC, it's the only 99% effective way of changing the IP (will only not work if there's no other IP's available in your area (please note you are limited to so many MAC changes a day so don;t go crazy)

SepticTone · 12-08-2010, 22:46

Thankyou, Kymmy.

Umm, How would I set about doing that, if you wouldn't mind my asking. Win 7 32bit Home Premium?

I have a Realtek RTL 8168D/8111D PCIe

**Kymmy** · 12-08-2010, 22:53

Either install a new NIC or use a utility such as a MAC changer/spoofer

SepticTone · 12-08-2010, 23:14

Yeah right. Even though ipconfig says it's a PCIe card, it isnt, it's a built-in Lan on the motherboard, which is a very expensive & new Asus AM3, with all bells & whistles.

But anyway, there must be a simpler way to get a dynamic IP addy than spoofing with extra software, surely? I wouldn't want to change it every day, obviously. I just don't want sites or anyone tracking my IP. And proxies aren't an option, if that's what you're thinking.

**Kymmy** · 12-08-2010, 23:45

??? Whether you have a new or old IP it'll always be logged, whether by the website or by VM themselves.. The only valid reason for a new IP is get past a ban or something similar...

Buy a router, you can then spoof the MAC very easily to your hearts content..

BTW, all on-board NIC's are still classified as PCI-e as they use the same control lines and go through the PCI-e bus on the southbridge

Peter_ · 13-08-2010, 09:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by SepticTone

Yeah right. Even though ipconfig says it's a PCIe card, it isnt, it's a built-in Lan on the motherboard, which is a very expensive & new Asus AM3, with all bells & whistles.

But anyway, there must be a simpler way to get a dynamic IP addy than spoofing with extra software, surely? I wouldn't want to change it every day, obviously. I just don't want sites or anyone tracking my IP. And proxies aren't an option, if that's what you're thinking.

You can buy a separate NIC and you can use that instead of the inbuilt one on the motherboard it just fits into an expansion port on the back of your machine.

Every site you go on will see your IP so if you are that paranoid you should not go on the internet.

SepticTone · 13-08-2010, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

??? Whether you have a new or old IP it'll always be logged, whether by the website or by VM themselves.. The only valid reason for a new IP is get past a ban or something similar...

Buy a router, you can then spoof the MAC very easily to your hearts content..

BTW, all on-board NIC's are still classified as PCI-e as they use the same control lines and go through the PCI-e bus on the southbridge

I have the D-Link 615 router that Virgin left with me when installing, so it looks like I'll have to install that, although I didn't want a wireless network in the house. Security issues, you see.

There are other reasons for not wanting a static IP other than for bypassing an IP ban from a site,(which can easily be bypassed by using a proxy server), such as my IP being constantly tracked by IP trackers, its being monitored by badass geeks, GCHQ & other basic security reasons.

Thanks for your rather glib simplistic & condescending suggestion that 'if I'm paranoid I shouldn't be on the internet', Masque. Very helpful indeed.

I'm just well aware of security issues & personal freedom from being so easily monitored by having what amounts to a static IP addy.

**Kymmy** · 13-08-2010, 17:37

Then turn off the wifi side of it

As far as paranoia, do you actually think that a change of IP would stop someone if they truely wanted to keep track of you

They'd be monitoring you at source..

Simple way though is as already stated.. Install the router and just change the MAC when/if needed.. As long as you don't go over the daily limit (not sure but I think it's 4 or 5 MACs per 24 hours) and as long as there are actually IP's available in the address pool then you should be fine..