University internet access, anyway to make dynamic IP?

[NeoPTLD]

I believe I have a static IP in my dorm room and I really don't like the idea of one IP number being connected to me in telephone # fasion.

My friend tells me I can make it not so obvious by using a router.

I don't know anything about networking. Can anyone tell me what I can do to get myself a dynamic IP that doesn't give out the host name "xxx-xxx-xxx-xxx.server.oregonstate.edu" to every site I visit?

 

[scorpioLP]

you have a static public IP ????

I doubt that the university would be giving out public IPs like that.


Doesn't matter what you do, IPs can be traced back to a PC whether they are dynamic or not. With a router it just provides a little more protection from someone trying to break into your PC.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Yep, the router would still have the static IP address, and you'd be "hiding" behind it, but still there.

 

[Daishiki]

if you don't mind the slowdown you can mask your web browsing with a proxy... unless you're ashamed of your school or plan on wreaking havoc i don't see why you'd mind having static...

 

[Indolent]

Do you turn your computer off every night? If you don't, a dynamic ip wouldn't do you much good anyway.

 

[Need4Speed]

im guessing thats a static non routable ip....not public

 

[martind1]

This is funny because most people WANT a static ip (for serving www, ftp etc) and here is one of the lucky ones and he wants dynamic, lol.


So why do you want a dynamic ip? so you can hide from something?


Since it doesnt appear that you are a huge techie (your quote " don't know anything about networking") then I don't really see why you feel the need for dynamic. IF you just want to hide yourself you can find such proxy services on the internet.

 

[bgroff]

Of course its a static public IP address. Most major US universities have very generous /16 address blocks. Sometimes, multiple address blocks, and some even have /8 address blocks! So its not out of line for them to assign static addresses in their dorm networks...

As for the original problem, you're stuck with your static address. Enjoy it, most of us aren't as fortunate to have your problem!

 

[martind1]

having them be public is not that unusual, having it be public static is unusual.


I am just glad someone agrees that it is a GOOD thing that you shoudl be fortunate to have.

 

[NeoPTLD]

I was wrong. It's not exactly static, but not dynamic as dial-up or not always-on DSL.
My NIC card's address is registered with the university's computing dept which identifies my computer.
It seems like my IP changes once a day.

I have a feeling that University's comp dept doesn't adhere to the high customer privacy standards that AOL or Verizon have(customer info not released without subpoena). It's just a matter of personal prefernece to want to have some privacy.

 

[scorpioLP]

Can't really complain if it's free.

If you want privacy, you'll have to pay for it.

 

[stash]

As mentioned before, your MAC adddress will be registered somewhere regardless of the type of IP you have. A router can help with this, but if you want absolute privacy on the Internet, you need to unplug your ethernet cable.

 

[martind1]

seriously i dont think you knwo why you even want dynamic ip anyways. what are you afraid of?


sounds like irration fear of big brother

 

[bgroff]

I have a feeling that University's comp dept doesn't adhere to the high customer privacy standards that AOL or Verizon have(customer info not released without subpoena). It's just a matter of personal prefernece to want to have some privacy.

High customer privacy standards of AOL?!?! LMAO!!!

 

[martind1]

how is a dynamic ip going ot increase your privacy?


I don't see why it matters. you arent changing your mac and since the ip will still be traced to yoru school, you are still very easily identifiable.