IP No. theory

[Dan]

Could somone PLEASE explain to me the entire theory behind the mythical Internet Protocol? Mine changes each time I boot, but the IP on another computer I know of doesn't? How can I get a static one, and how do they get assigned?
Thanks, Dan

[ozzy72]

Okay the IP no. is something that is assigned to you when you're on the net. Floating IP nos. mean that your ISP has a set allocation of numbers, and when you connect to them they assign you one for the duration of your connection.
A fixed IP normally means you are connected to a major service provider (such as a cable company) and they assign your line this permanent number.
Its all to do with TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) here is a short definition of IP;

Abbreviation of Internet Protocol, pronounced as two separate letters. IP specifies the format of packets, also called datagrams, and the addressing scheme. Most networks combine IP with a higher-level protocol called Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), which establishes a virtual connection between a destination and a source.
IP by itself is something like the postal system. It allows you to address a package and drop it in the system, but there's no direct link between you and the recipient. TCP/IP, on the other hand, establishes a connection between two hosts so that they can send messages back and forth for a period of time.

[eno]

Most people in the UK have floating IPs unless they have a cable connection which is always on.. even with this you have to pay extra to keep the same IP.

Most broadband connections have floating IPs as you can turn them off much the same as a dial up connection. The difference with broadband is that for the most part they can be left on .... Dial up tends to have a 2 hr cut off.

[Skittles]

I use a router so running IPCONFIG.EXE to determine my IP address is pointless.

[Dan]

Thanks Mark.. and all others... Dan

[eno]

[quote]I use a router so running IPCONFIG.EXE to determine my IP address is pointless.

[ozzy72]

Or the easiest way of all, once you've connected to the net in your toolbar on the right you'll see two little monitors who's screens flash blue and black. Right click on them and then click on Status then Details, this will show you all you need to know

Mark

Ps. If you want to see where things are going and by what IP addresses get Ping Plotter at www.downloads.com

[eno]

Or the easiest way of all, once you've connected to the net in your toolbar on the right you'll see two little monitors who's screens flash blue and black. Right click on them and then click on Status then Details, this will show you all you need to know

Mark

Ps. If you want to see where things are going and by what IP addresses get Ping Plotter at www.downloads.com

That'll only give you the internal IP that the router assigns .... it wont show your external IP @ least it doesnt with my router.

[Stevil_knevil]

I dont know if this is any help to you but i use this little program all the time especially for my Teamspeak2 server:  http://www.no-ip.com

It works well with some multiplayer games too although I cannot speak for FS2004 as I havent tried multiplayer yet, being new to the program.

It basically assigns an address so that when you run the program someone could just use EI "Dan.no-ip.info"
and that would automatically connect them to your current IP.

Hope thats of some help!  :)

Steve