Internet Protocol (IP) address is given to each device connected to the Net. IP addresses consist of four numbers and look something like 117.0.0.1. All these numbers are usually assigned to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) within the region-based blocks. An IP-address can be used to identify the country or region from which a device is connecting to the Internet.

Earlier, ISPs issues one IP-address to each user. These are called static IP addresses. ISPs now issue IP addresses in a dynamic fashion out of a pool of addresses (using DHCP). These are referred to as dynamic IP addresses. With virtual hosting, a single machine can act like multiple machines (with multiple domain names and protocol addresses).

IP Address reveals your...

Using an IP-address it is quite easy to identify the place including the country, state, city, using a few web applications. Finding IP-address of the Yahoo, Rediff, Hotmail, etc, email senders is easy. Google masks the outgoing IP-address of the sender who sends mails using the Gmail web interface.

Using IP-Tracker like software installed on remote devices, you can access the same from anywhere. IP-Tracker constantly monitors the dynamic IPaddress of the device and whenever the IPaddress changes, it sends a mail to your inbox notifying you of your new IPaddress.

How can I change my IP Address

• If you are using a dial-up connection, you can simply dialup through an alternate access number
• For cable/DSL with a router:

1. Open your router control panel
2. Increase your MAC address by one number
3. Then disconnect and reconnect your router. Now, after doing this, your ISP will give a new IP.
4. If you find any problem, switch back to previous MAC

You can hide your IPaddress using...

• IP changer software.
• anonymous software

Knowing your IPaddress can allow you to access

• services running on your machine (E.g., online games)
• servers (FTP, web, mail)
• remote access utilities (MS Remote Desktop, GoToMyPC, PCAnywhere).

Virtual hosting allows a single machine act like multiple machines (with multiple domain names and IP-addresses).

How can I know the IP-address of the person whom you have been chatting in your IM (Instant Messenger)

• If you want to know the IP, run a packet sniffer and initiate a file transfer.
• You will need to set up a file transfer in order to see the internet protocol address of the person you are communicating with; the transfer will go pretty much direct to the other person's computer. Otherwise you get the protocol address of the server.

If you run a packet sniffer, you need to send a request using ICMP, and then TCP with the SYN ACK flag set) and the target computer will respond. TCP SYN ACK packet gives you the target device's port number, IP-address, etc.

But there are exceptions. If the target device runs behind a router with a hardware firewall, you may not get the actual protocol address you are looking for; instead, a WAN IP of some sort usually the one from the ISP will be displayed.

In conclusion, since internet protocol addresses reveal your physical location and also gives more details to others; it is advisable not to display your protocol address except for essential and important communication. Mask the IP-address for you and your device's security sake.

Resources:
Hacking - What, When & How
Browsers - Gateway to the Internet
Strategies to Learn English Article

¶ 11:59 PM 0 comments

Here's the scenario....you're in need of increased bandwidth to meet your business voice and/or data applications. You're targeting T1 or DS3 as your solution...without a router (let's say you already have one or will get one seperate from the bandwidth provider).

Before you go out and jump at the first "attractive" business bandwidth offer you see.....there's a few things you need to understand. Particularly the terms Loop and Port....as well as "dedicated" and "shared" connections. Otherwise....you risk paying more for something you don't really need. Or worse yet....paying less for something that doesn't do what you must have.

So here we go....now pay attention and take notes.

Loop is the connection from your building to the provider's interface point, which is usually the main central office for your region, not necessarily the local central office.

Port is the actual connection to the internet backbone.

If your equipment was in the provider's data center, you would not need loop, but there will always be a port.

If your price quotes vary wildly, most likely you are running up against the "shared" vs "dedicated" issue. a "dedicated" connection (usually quoted by Tier I providers like AT&T, MCI, Sprint, Qwest, Savvis) will get you the full bandwidth to the internet backbone. A "shared" connection will get you full bandwidth to the carrier's interface point, from which they buy a big connection to their Tier I carrier.

An example, they buy a T3 (aka DS3) which consists of 28 T1 connections. Then they sell 60 T1 connections, recognizing that not all users will be requiring their full bandwidth at any particular time. Kind of like the old AOL issues of them having 1 modem for every 12 customers, and then having to buy more modems as customers complained about busy signals.

The issue of "shared" connections is a lively issue. You might trek over to the BroadbandReports.com forum for Wireless Internet Providers where you will see several discussions about how many customers can be supported by a link of a certain size.

If you are hosting a web site at your location, or if you are running a real time application and need absolute time sensitive responses to your internet queries, then you want to pony up to pay for the dedicated connection.

Another issue affecting your price would be how long is the loop from your central office to the carrier's interface point. Assuming that you're in Rancho Santa Fe CA (for example), a carrier requiring a loop all the way to Los Angeles would have a higher cost (and thus a higher price), than a carrier with an interface point in San Diego.

As for any questions about IP addresses, and e-mails:

Most Tier 1 providers will give you up to a class C (256) Block at no charge with justification. Plenty of IP address coverage for whatever your application.

Email, is almost a none issue with T1 service, as most people buying a T1 don't need ISP Email's. But if you do need them, find the best offer. However most providers consider email a free service.

There you go. Now you're armed with a priceless education. That should translate to smart price shopping.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including DS3-Bandwidth.com and Business-VoIP-Solution.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

¶ 6:58 AM 0 comments