Lin wrote:
> Can someone tell me how to dial up a specific friend online who has net
> meeting.
> I was told to put in his IP address, but I have found out that everytime he
> or MYSELF for that matter --- comes online our IP address changes...why is
> that.
> I really don't want to go to a ils site..just reach a few people who have
> NetMeeting. If the IP address always changes how can I know from day to day
> what the address of my friends is?
Hello Lin,
The IP addresses are in the form of xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx where each x is a
digit. The four group IP address is called a 'dotted quad' -- four
groups separated by '.'
Actually, they are eight digit binary numbers (although you and I
usually see them represented as decimal numbers) so each of the four
positions can have a value of from 0 to 255. Eight 0 or 1 positions can
form 256 combinations, and so naturally represent the numbers from 0
(00000000) to 255 (11111111).
The ISP registers a domain name, and receives a permanent set of
numbers. Usually the numbers are organized in a (somewhat) geographic
hierarchy, with the leftmost group covering the broadest area, and
subsequent groups narrowing down the location. The last group of 256
numbers is assignable at the discretion of the ISP. For example, I
contact my Dad at 38.37.3.xxx, where xxx changes.
Why does xxx change? For the same reason that airlines sometimes
overbook seats on a flight -- not everyone shows up usually. The ISP
has a fixed number of addresses, but most people who buy home dial-up
service aren't connected all the time. The ISP receives our phone call,
authenticates that we have indeed paid our bill, and dips into the pool
of xxx for the next one not currently in use, and assigns us that one
for the duration of our call. If we want to pay extra, they can reserve
that IP address for our exclusive use, but then they can't rent it to
someone else when we're not online, so they make us pay for full time.
If an airline reserved a seat for your use and your use only, how much
would that cost? You don't fly everyday, but they couldn't 'sell' the
seat to anyone else. You pay for the privilege of exclusive use for
that reason. And so with an ISP -- if you want a permanent address, you
must pay what they can't make by renting it to someone else when you are
not connected.
My Dad has been signing on (two phone lines) and then emailing me the IP
(we usually only talk on Sundays). Lately, I have found an ILS with
little traffic. He signs on, but has disabled listing himself, so only
someone who knows his email address can call him. I sign on and am
shown in the directory, as I'm comfortable fielding calls from people I
don't want to talk with (apologies folks). This is convenient for now.
Bret
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