Device Limiting Workaround?

[Flagz]

Hi, I really know almost nothing about networking but I currently moved and am looking for help. The only ISP's around me are Verizon DSL (max at 5mbps) or Service Electric (30mbps). I'm choosing service electric with a technician coming out to install soon, but in the TOU it says a limit to FIVE devices per household. I'm seen people talking about Double NAT and other workaround, can someone explain these? I need an in depth explanation or what to buy. ALSO I want my NAT to still work OPEN for Xbox Live. I game and stream movies ALOT.

 

[Fardringle]

It's pretty easy to tell if you have multiple devices if they really want to, and if the TOU says that you can't have more than 5, it's a pretty good way to get your service shut off if they decide to audit your connection.

 

[Flagz]

so basically im stuck with the same 3mbps down that im getting now or nothing at all? ): ok thanks anyway

 

[spidey07]

No ISP that I know of cares how many devices you have, only how much data you use. Just use a home router with NAT (that's what they all do) and you'll be like every other home internet user.

 

[imagoon]

While I don't condone violating the agreement, I have seen some companies put this in there primarily so there is less of a mess to troubleshoot. Idea being you can't complain about slow speeds as easily if there is "only" 5 devices or whatever. The other question would be, do they give you 5 NATed addresses or 5 public. If it is 5 public, slam a NAT router on there and be like the rest of the American Internet.

 

[nickbits]

Every clause like that I've read referred to the number of IPs their DHCP server will give out. I have about 15-20 "devices" here and would be screwed with that policy.

Can you post a link to their site or TOS?

 

[Udgnim]

can use a proxy server although I don't know how that will affect bandwidth/latency

 

[Fardringle]

I just checked and I don't see anything on their Residential Internet Services page or in their High Speed Internet Service Agreement limiting the number of devices allowed on a residential connection.

All that it does say is that you cannot use their residential service for a business, you can only get two public IPs on a connection (and you only need one if you use a router), and you are responsible for troubleshooting issues on your own local network. The only reference I see anywhere to a "5" is that you get up to 5 free email addresses with a residential connection.

Unless you have a link to something that actually says you are limited to 5 devices, I don't see any reason why you can't just slap a router down behind the SECtv modem and use as many devices as you like in your home.