IP Address (and Comcast)

[Azurik]

Will my IP address change if I replace modems? Or how long do you keep a single range of IP addresses for with Comcast service. I heard somewhere they reset after a few months.

 

[corkyg]

I have Comcast, and they change the IP address every week - usually Friday PM. All I need to do is recycle my router and let it reconnect.

 

[Azurik]

It is within a range though? Or is it random?

 

[FlyingPenguin]

You IP can change anytime. It may stay the same for months or just days. It's within whatever range your comcast provider owns. That could be a large range (last 2 or 3 numbers of the IP address).

I assume you want to do something like remote desktop or host an FTP? The simple solution is to use a free Dynamic DNS service. I use DYNU.com. There are several others. I use this for myself and for my clients.

You run a small background app on any computer on your LAN. It constantly reports your current WAN IP to DYNU's service. You have a unique DYNU address (eg: MYNAME.DYNU.COM). You can always find your network via that address. If you want to remote desktop then you tell remote desktop that the IP address of the host computer is MYNAME.DYNU.COM

Hope this helps...

 

[Azurik]

Yes, I am trying to use Remote Desktop. I haven't figured it out after a whole year of trying to make it work! I always thought my IP changed before I get to try it, but I know this is not the case.

Here is what I usually do:

#1. Enable Remote Desktop
#2. Look up my IP Address by going to "www.WhatIsMyIP.com"
#3. Go to off-site computer, log on to RD app.
#4. Enter IP Address, XP Account Name and Password that is logged in from home, then Log-In

I always get an error somehow doing this.

 

[tyanni]

I assume you are behind a router... You need to forward the correct ports on the router to the machine you are trying to connect to behind the router. I am too lazy to look up the RD ports, but its an easy google.

Also, as was pointed out earlier, try something like dyndns or a similar service where your machine can automatically update your ip when it changes - it will make your life easier.
Tim

 

[spherrod]

Make sure ports 3389 are forwarded if behind a router - you will aslo need to allow Remote Desktop connections to your PC.

Right-click My Computer-->Properties-->Remote

Select 'Allow users to connect remotely to this computer'

 

[corkyg]

My Comcast IP changed this morning - solution - pull the power plug on the router (Motorola) then let it find the new IP. In a couple of minutes all is normal again.

This happens every week - usually Friday - and the symptoms are immediately recognizable - the browser just won't load and the white error message pops up.

 

[talyn00]

also make sure you arent blocking these ports if you're using windows firewall or some other software firewall

 

[FlyingPenguin]

As everyone else pointed out you must forward port 3389 through the router. Port forwarding instructions for most routers here: http://portforward.com/

WinXP SP2 Windows firewall won't block Remote Desktop but earlier versions of Windows XP's firewall will. So will 3rd party firewalls.

 

[chronokefka]

It's a 7 day lease period. The IP ranges for ComCast are 24.*.*.*, 68.*.*.* and 69.*.*.*. At the end of the lease period, just powercycle the modem and you'll probably get a new IP. There is no guarantee though, as I see some customers who have the same IP address for months.

 

[Rookie]

I have adelphia in VA.

My IP address won't change unless i change my MAC or let it sit for 7 days +

Same IP for 6 months at least.