Which ISP offer IP which changes each time?

[tal]

I'm lookng for an ISP which gives a IP that changes each time you use the PC, i've heard that O2 IP is supposed to change each time you use it, but this has not been verified. Would getting a normal old style dial-up connected to your phone line give a different IP each time?, anyone able to help

[crash3903]

BT

But any isp does as long as you reconnect to the internet

In other words close the connection and you get a new ip address on reconnect

[Hobbie]

Almost *EVERY* ISP will offer an dynamic IP address via its DHCP service, unless you express that you require a static IP address, the ISP will only usually only provide dynamic.

On the other hand, static these days are very rare due to the increasing internet users and the so called "shortage" of IP allocations, ISP are therefore increasingly only offering static IP address ranges to business users.

Something to bare in mind though, many ISP's offer dynamic addresses, but these do not change every time the PC connects, it all depends on the "lease time" that is defined by the provider.

[tal]

What about just normal dial up like tesco
will the IP change each time you use the PC?

O2 use a BT line, but i'm told the IP does not change each time, even though its dynamic

[Hobbie]

It all depends on the ISP's configuration, the "lease time" is set by the ISP, and is assoicated with Media Access Control (MAC) address (The hardware serial number sort of thing). The lease time can be anything from 1second to forever. Although the most common is anything from 1hour to 24hours for the lease to expire.

Only way to ensure you get a different IP each connection is to have an array of modems or software to "modify" the MAC address, which still In my opinion is only a 95% chance of a different IP allocation.

[Tezcatlipoca]

My question is why would you want to have your IP change with each logon? If you are wishing to carry out certain internet tasks or visit certain websites where you want a level of anonymity, why not just bounce off a proxy server? There are plenty of free services around.

[Hobbie]

I suspect it to be something else.

But remember even if the IP address changes, the ISP still keep records of each user using that IP address, and If I recall correctly these records are stored for 5 years. The mininum information recorded by all ISPs is

DATE/TIME LOGON
DATE/TIME LOGOFF
MAC ADDRESS
USERNAME
CLI (EVEN IF DIALUP WITHHELD)
CIRCUIT NUMBER (IF USING ADSL)
ACCOUNT NUMBER (IF USING CABLE)

So, either way if your IP changes or not, the information is still kept of who was using it and when.

Some ISP's may record alot more than this, but that is what the legislation currently requires providers to hold.

[crem]

Originally Posted by crash3903

BT

But any isp does as long as you reconnect to the internet

In other words close the connection and you get a new ip address on reconnect

NTL Cable (now Virgin Media) only uses static IP addresses as far as I know. (Well I know mine is static for a fact)

[bidstermeister]

I've been with VM since Feb 2006 and have only had a handful of IP addresses - So if you reconnect fairly quickly (say, within 12hrs) you'll get the same IP - as pointed out, it really depends upon their "lease time" for IPs. Weird thing is, I've always had an 82.xxx address - For the past 2 months, it's completely changed to a 92.xxx one!

Generally, there is no really concern when using the same IP address - in fact, it's more convenient to have a static one - if you ever want to remote-desktop into your PC/network or run some kind of server - a static IP will save you having to set-u a DynDNS name

To see yours: My IP is 89.16.177.30 - Quick and Easy way to SEE my IP address - CmyIP.com

[MrShed]

Although you absolutely should not get a static IP unless you have a genuine need for one - it exponentially increases the risk of your system security being breached.

If you do have a static IP, then you need to ensure you have enough security defences to cope with this. IMHO, if you get a static IP you should be seriously considering a standalone hardware firewall.

[Hobbie]

Originally Posted by MrShed

Although you absolutely should not get a static IP unless you have a genuine need for one - it exponentially increases the risk of your system security being breached.

If you do have a static IP, then you need to ensure you have enough security defences to cope with this. IMHO, if you get a static IP you should be seriously considering a standalone hardware firewall.

Whats wrong with a good old Linux box along with iptables? never done me any harm, and i've a full /24 subnet and *as far as i'm aware i've never suffered a security breach* (Quickly goes of scanning)...

But seriously, I agree if you don't need a static IP allocation(s) then don't get one, I need mine for reasons, but have ensured the security is monitored, as it is 10 x easier for someone to breach security on a static IP, as they know where the machine is all the time, and gives them a chance to work on vulnerabilities coming back any time... and no sooner do you "patch" the vulnerability the soon another one is found... but thats what makes it fun, always trying to keep one step ahead of the game...

Only get a static allocaiton if you really and seriously need it, otherwise dynamic is fine for 90% of internet users.

[MrShed]

Nothing Hobbie except I hate Linux lol.

Sorry, yes of course there are other methods to security manage - just standalone firewall is the standard(if not the cheapest) way to do it.

You've got a full /24 subnet :O can I ask(cheekily) how much that sets you back?!?! That cant be for personal use I assume....?????

[Hobbie]

MrS,

See the PM i've sent.