If Two People Are Generating The Same Ip Address

[RATTER15]

does that mean they are sharing the same PC or the same router or could they both be operating from the same block of flats with different routers?

[Canary42]

The internet uses the IP address to return information, so I don't understand how the different routers situation would be handled. Perhaps one of our experts will come along shortly with a proper answer.

[pinkyboyid]

Initial Quick answer:

- Share same PC, NO.
- Operating from same black of Flats with different routers, Most Likely YES.

A bit more detail:-

Each router manages its own network and in most home setups these days they utilise an IP Address manaagement system called DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol). The DHCP service automatically provides a unique IP address from a pre-defined range of addresses to each network device on request at connection time.

In that scenario it is quite feasible that each router, for example one located in block/Flat A and another located in Block/Flat B, can be using the same IP Address ranges, but they are classed as private addresses and independent of each router. Typical private address ranges are 192.168.0.1 through to .255 or 192.168.1.1 through to .255 and there are some other ranges to choose from.

So two people could have the same ip number e.g. 192.168.0.33 but would be independent of each other because they each connected to their own router.

But, there is a scenario where two people could get the same number
when operating on the same router network. That is, each joins Router A, say via WiFi, where they each have used the same connection parameters to connect to the router A, such as Network Name (SSID) and security Password key. The router 'hands' a genuine IP address from its pool to the first persons network device, say 192.168.0.33.

The second person being a bit more 'computer savvy' doesn't bother with getting an automatic IP address from the Router address range, but instead configures their network device manually to use a 'Fixed Address' and manually setups the number as 192.168.0.33.

So now we have two users on the same Router using the same IP address of 192.168.0.33. But now what happens next in this scenario is called an IP address conflict and each persons network device will most likely start to experience some network errors and if the device is running a Microsoft Windows operating system it will most likely popup an on-screen message to indicate the presence of a conflict.

Hope that makes some sense!

[RATTER15]

pinkyboyid, lol thanks, I kinda get the gist of it.

[ummmm]

They could be in a library or an internet cafe.

[RATTER15]

No Ummmm, one had said he posts from a block of flats.

[ChuckFickens]

Errrm...

Generating the same Public or private IP addresses?

Private IP ranges are
10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.254
172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.254
192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.254

they are all IP addresses that are only used on private networks and are not routable over the internet (i.e they are only over used on internal networks, they are not internet addresses)

The above addresses, there could be millions of people with the same address, just not on the same private network.

Any other address will be a public address and they have to be unique.

[RATTER15]

now im confused!!

[hc4361]

Don't be confused.
The 192.168.1.1 is the ip address of your router (and mine) and is the one your pc and wireless gadgets use to connect to it. Each gadget may have a different last number.

The public ip address is different. You can yours here:
http://whatismyipaddress.com/

This address is given by your internet provider and can change, especially if you turn your modem/router off.
This is the address that AnswerBank Ed can see when you post. He can block this ip address and stop you posting on AB.
This is true of every forum and website you visit.

If you use your pc for criminal activity the police can track you down through this ip address. Even though it changes the internet provider knows who was using that address at a particular time.

Every modem/router will be using a unique ip address at a time.

If your wifi is not secure, Joe Bloggs can log on to the internet using your router. You probably would not be aware of it. Could be your neighbour, someone in a car outside your house, that kid leaning on the lamp post with a smartphone in his hand. If Mr Bloggs commits a crime it will be tracked to your wifi network and you.