Change IP Address
The IP address is a logical address that is assigned to your network card, it helps identify your computer on the network and its also used for communication with the network. Network Administrators assign IP Addresses according to certain rules and regulations.
Why would you want to change an IP Address?
Your IP address is the way that your computer communicates with a network, what the network “knows” about you is your IP address, for practical purposes your IP address identifies you.
If someone wants to deny your access to certain services like an IRC channel, a forum, websites, game servers etc, all they have to do is ban your IP address from their system. So one of the reasons you may want to change your IP address is that this way you can evade the ban. Keep in mind that doing that may lead to a longer ban or denial of access. On a lighter note, another reason to change your IP address is that you can get rid of unwanted and annoying spam that way.
Here you’ll learn a few tips about requesting a change in your IP address and how to actually change it once the request has been approved.
If your connection is a Dial-UP (phone line connected to your modem) you will probably get a different IP address if you disconnect the service and ask for a reconnection later. If you are using PPPoE (Point to Point Over Ethernet) its also quite simple since those are not permanent connections and the IP is re-established every time you turn on your computer.
So who has a problem then? people using cable modems/DSL/FTTH connections. They usually have a static IP addresses, and even if they don’t, they probably have a bound IP address based on their Ethernet MAC address, so the IP still won’t change.
The solution is to call your Internet Service Provider and ask for suggestions on what to do next. You will have, no doubt, to follow a certain procedure regarding an IP change. They will either tell you how to change your IP address or give you new settings to use immediately.
If you are having a spam or harassment problem, you may be asked for proof that the problem is going on, so have anything you think might be useful handy.
If your IP address is manually configured you will only have to modify your settings using the new IP you were given.
Steps to Change Your IP Address
Operating System Steps to Change the IP Address
Windows 9x/Me users Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Network -> Network card -> TCP/IP -> IP address
Windows XP/2k users Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Network Connections -> Local Area Connection -> Properties -> Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
Red Hat Linux Go to System Tools -> Network. You could also use tools as ‘linuxconf’ or ‘netcfg’tool.
Remember that changing your IP is not something that you can request too often from your ISP.
