Also, your DSL modem won't work with another ISP because the languages spoken (simplistic terms) by the modems to the ISP are different from ISP to ISP. SDSL modems MAY work, more likely than ADSL, but same reasoning.
Essentially, there is no 'hidden' IP address. You have one IP address. And most providers now, it's static even if it isn't.
I just looked, and I switched to Comcast the middle of March. I've had the same IP since. Rebooted EVERYTHING a number of times - computer, router, cable modem, etc.
At 07:52 PM 5/14/2009, you wrote:
Just a consideration....As far as I know, ADSL uses PPPoA http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pppoa. This is how the ISP can have you authenticate before giving you an IP address and consequently, you can be denied access before a 'connection' can be made.Of course, the 'connection' is IP, which then runs over the ATM, as the name implies, Point to Point Protocol OVER ATM.This may not be the case in all installation all over the world, but is the case here in NZ. MAC addresses, being unique by RFC definition are the underlying magic in IP networks, but ATM magic happens at Layer 1 (connection), so no MAC address required and consequently, your ISP can identify you and have you authenticate before shelling out an IP address. I am not 100% certain, having not worked with ATM before, but I assume the only way to uniquely identify any ATM packet is by the switch port, which explains why a techie has to connect your new ADSL before it will work (as opposed to dial up that works from anywhere) and each provider requires access to the street cabinet. You can test this by taking your ADSL modem from one ISP to a friends house who belongs to another ISP. It does not work, hence the connection layer is the controlling authority.The articles on Wikipedia are well written and easy to understand with good links.I hope this helps.
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