Mac address question

[Energenie]

Just got an E-mail from Carter Pipeline saying they just bought HSA which has been providing them with the internet access, they want me to send them some info and one of the things they want is the MAC address off of the Cable modem. I've got A Linksys router and a small network setup with Cable access to all the computers. Will giving them the MAC from the cable modem mess anything up as far as the cable modem acces to the other computers. Are they doing this to find out if your using the connection on more than one computer so they can charge you more?? Why would they need this??

 

[FUBAR]

So you're saying your ISP was bought and the new one is requesting your MAC? Most (cable) ISP's register you on their networks by the MAC of a device on your side, usually the first device your side of the modem, but they may want the modem itself too.

It's kind of odd they wouldn't be able to get that from the records of the company that they bought tho. I don't believe there's too much harm that could be done, since it's not quite like giving your IP out to a roving band of hackers, MAC's are only useful on the local net. BUT at any rate, it still seems wierd, you may want to phone that one in rather than just replying.

 

[bozo1]

Give them the MAC address of your cable modem. Configure the linksys to use your cable modem's mac address. When/If they change anything, you should be affected. If they don't already have your address, chances are your old ISP handed out IP addresses to any device that wanted them. Most ISP's are starting to only give out addresses to registered MAC addresses and your new ISP may be going that route. Either way, have your linksys use that address and you'll be fine.