why is my IP address on the itnernet not the same as my machine?

From Leo's mailbag:

> From: A Computer User
> Sent: December 24, 2005
> To: Ask Leo!
> Subject: why is my IP address on the itnernet not the same as my machine?
>
> Leo,

> I am using a computer on a Local Area Network at work, and my
> IP address is : 192.168.0.179 and in addition I have a
> different subnetmask and a Default gateway, But when i go to
> an online site and check my Ip address it says :
> 202.174.131.130. And this 130 Ip address is the same address
> for all computers at work. I wonder why this is happening and
> It is stopping me from voting to some websites more than once
> even from other computers as it is saying this IP had alrady
> been used.Is there any way I can change this IP and still
> access the internet?

Nope. This means that you are behind a "NAT" Router. This is an
internet sharing device that makes all the computers behind it
"look" like only one IP address. It's a common way of sharing
an internet connection with multiple computers, and a common
form of firewall.

These articles may help:
http://ask-leo.com/whats_the_difference_between_a_hub_a_switch_and_a_router.html
http://ask-leo.com/do_i_need_a_firewall_and_if_so_what_kind.html

Thanks for asking,

Leo

Article 969 | Category: Networking