My IP Address

[bobe70]

Hello all, I am a little confused when it comes to my IP address. As far as I am aware, my routers IP address is 192.168.2.1 (a standard IP address?). Then, any computer connected to the router will be numbered 192.168.2.2, 192.168.2.3, etc, etc..... Is that correct?

Now I have signed up for ADSL24 (which have been excellent) and they have provided me with a new IP address, 78.32.**.**.

What does this new IP address mean to me? Do I have to change any settings/IP information?

I currently have agreat internet connection without changing any settings, but I am having trouble forwarding my ports for p2p applications, is all of this related?

Thanks,

Rob

[James]

This IP address is your external (WAN) IP address. You had one with your old ISP, as every router/modem connected to the Internet has to have an IP address.

You don't need to do anything with it, it just works. The IP of 78.32.x.x is just what websites will see you using, e.g. www.dslzoneuk.net/ip_checker.php

For P2P programs you need to setup virtual servers or port forwards. CAn you explain a little more on what you are looking to do?

Thanks

James

[bobe70]

OK, thanks.

I am using Bitcomet for my torrent downloads but the programme tells me that my 'listen port is unreachable to public domain peers, please check firewall and NAT router configuration'.

I do get pretty good downloads speeds of around 450kb/s, but am wondering if this could effect my download performance.

So I gointo my Belkin router config and go to 'Virtual Server', assign a port to forward, say port 20500. I am then asked for an IP address... which should I use? My new IP address, my routers or my PCs?

Also, should I assign an IP address to my PC or let it find one automatically?

It currently has one permanently assigned but this creates an IP conflict when I turn my Xbox 360 on and then turn the PC on (in that order). Is there a way around that?

[James]

The IP of your PC, something like 192.168.2.2. You can let the PC pick up the IP from the router automatically, as its likely to get the same one each time.

If you have an IP conflict then simply change the static IP to something else. You can use 192.168.1.x where x is any number apart from 1 (as thats the router itself)

[bobe70]

So am I best assigning an IP address to my PC or let it find one automatically?

Also, when setting my virtual server port, which IP address should I use. Router or PC?

[tboorman]

I'd recommend giving your PC a static IP address - it's best to choose one that's outside the range that can be allocated by your router's DHCP server.

It's your PC's IP address you need to use when setting up the virtual server.