Question about new AT&T cable service

[skypilot]

I noticed that when AT&T took over my cable internet from @home (Seattle area) that I no longer have to use my old computer name (cXXXXXX-b) as my computer's network name to access the internet. Now I just put in any name and am automatically assigned an IP address my AT&T. 12.XXX.XXX.XXX.

Now, a few questions about this

Is this supposed to be happening?

Does this mean I have unlimited IP addy's?

And will I pay for each computer I have signed on?


Thanks Anandtechies

 

[sohcrates]

well, systems like that work off the MAC address of your network card (unique 12 digit alphanumeric address assigned to each NIC)

you're allotted (spelling?) a certain amount of IP's....most likely just ONE

therefore, you most likely WILL still have to pay for extra IP's, unless you use a router.

 

[skypilot]

any other opinions?

 

[G19]

Well I can definitely say that in my area you are not limited to just one IP. So far my only limit is the seven active MAC addresses allowed by my cable modem. Each one of those systems has received its own IP.
As to whether or not they will be charging for the use of the extra addresses, I guess I?ll find out when my next bill shows up.

 

[err]

I am able to get 4 Ip addresses right now. haven't tried more =)

nice.

now the only thing I hate is the 1.5 mbps download limit

err

 

[skypilot]

any other opinions? Bump it up

 

[cz]

Actually it is that the MAC address of your cable modem matters.

I don't think AT&T is checking NIC's MAC address because firstly I have never given them MAC address information; secondly I am using a router with MAC clone feature and have changed router MAC address several times.