How can I change my IP address?

[Heddi]

I've got a cable modem--the other one we had (when we lived in Seattle & had Comcast) had abutton on the back you could push and it would change your IP address.

This modem, however, doesn't have a button on it and I just am tired of seeing the same old numbers that I've had for the last year.

It seems that once a long time ago, a computer tech guy on the phone I spoke with gave me some code to type in the C: thing that pulled up a box where I could change my IP addy, but I can't remember what it was (it was like 5 years ago)

Help? Anyone?

:)

[democracyindanger]

1. Pretty sure IP addresses are determined by your ISP

So if you can change it, call your ISP. Some ISPs, like the DSL I use, change the IP every time I connect.

[RoyGBiv]

2. Call your ISP

No one method works all the time because different ISP's have different methods of allocating an IP addy.

Tech support should be able to tell you.

[trotsky]

3. Does your cable modem have a web interface?

If so, there may be a field where you can enter in an alternate MAC or hardware address. It's a string of 12 hexadecimal digits, like 008001A4B284. If you change the MAC address and power cycle it, it'll pick up a new IP address.

[RoyGBiv]

4. This could cause problems ...

Some cable systems have the MAC address coded into a user's account such that it cannot be changed by the user without the assistance of an account rep. If you change the MAC address locally, your account no longer works until you call tech support and give them the new address.

[trotsky]

5. What, there are some cable vendors that still do that?

Crazy. I thought they had all abandoned that practice.

Yes, if connected to a system like that changing the MAC would be a big problem. Be sure to write down the old one (or check, it is usually printed on a sticker on the unit itself) in case you need to switch back.

[RoyGBiv]

6. Yup ...

I ran into this very issue the other day. Drove me crazy until I figured out what was going on.

[FormerDittoHead]

7. Curious: Why do you want to?

...assuming that if you were being attacked you'd report it to your ISP...

Is some host blocking your IP from doing something like joining a chat room or posting messages?

Is there another reason why you'd want to?

[youspeakmylanguage]

8. I hate static IP addresses for the simple reason...

...that people can track your movements throughout their websites. I have websites but I purposefully don't look at my server logs very often. It annoys the piss out of me that if I wanted to look at an obscure website 15 times a day just because I'm bored the webmaster knows I looked at his website 15 times in one day for no reason.

When we walk into a grocery store the store's manager doesn't automatically record who we are and our method of transportation to and from the store. If they did there would be an uproar.

It's not really a logical position, just an emotional one. I've NEVER committed a crime online or "cracked" anything. I just don't like other webmasters tracking where I go and what I do.