
Xtreme Fone.net Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Xtreme Fone.net use static or dynamic TCP/IP addresses?
Applies To
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Windows 98 Windows 2000 - Pro Windows 2000 - Server Windows XP - Home Windows XP - Pro
Answer
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The connection between your PC and the ISP must have a TCP/IP address in order to be a “member” of the Internet community. This is true regardless of whether Xtreme Fone.net is being used or not. TCP/IP addresses are assigned to each computer in one of two ways,statically or dynamically.
A static TCP/IP address is one where the address is more or less permanently assigned to your connection. Each time that you connect to the ISP, your address will always be the same. This is typically used if you are running a server and people on the Internet need to be able to be able to find it. The way in which they find it is by its address that therefore must always be the same.
A dynamic TCP/IP address is one where the address is given to your connection on a temporary basis, typically for the duration of your connection. This is most typical of a dial-up connection where an ISP has a “pool” of addresses and you are assigned one of those addresses from the pool. A dynamic address is nice in that it also provides a natural level of security for your computer. Since each time you connect you receive a different TCP/IP address, it is hard for a hacker to know which address belongs to your computer.
As far as Xtreme Fone.net is concerned, the connection between your computer and your ISP can use either a dynamic or a static TCP/IP address. The type of address is immaterial, so long as you do have a TCP/IP address.
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