Can you force your IP Address to change?

The question comes up sometimes, "Can I force my IP address to change"? This often happens when your IP address has become "tagged" by hacked computers that browse the web looking for open ports to hack.

This is especially important if you're running a server or services on your home network. Even if you're just running a mail server or you have a simple web server running, over time, you, your network, and especially your modem and router will notice a dramatic spike in traffic. Your connection will slow down, and you may even have to reboot or recycle your modem every few hours or every day because your connection just "goes bad".

Of course, you should have at least a router or some kind of firewall (software ones will do, but they can be hacked. A hardware firewall is best. A basic one is built into most Cable/DSL Home Networking Equipment).

But, even with a firewall, your connection can get hammered and you just want to change IP addresses to further mask yourself. Changing your IP address when you're being DDOSed is like getting lost in a crowd of people if someone is following you.

The forums at Broadband Reports has a thread on this topic, with a good explaination of where your IP address comes from:

[Your ISP] assigns an IP address based on the MAC address of the device directly connected to the cable modem. If you change the MAC address of the device connected to the cable modem, that device will get a new IP address.
...
Some NICs let you specify their address [MAC] overriding the NIC's default. With others you'll need a third party utility like SMAC.

You must be careful to select a MAC address that will not conflict with another user on the network. I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH.

The modem "learns" the MAC address of the device it's connected to, and must be powered down for about 30 seconds for it to be able to learn the new MAC.

Good luck!

Filed Under: IP IPaddress force address change cable broadband DSL Internet MAC