can other people see your ip even if you use a hotspot connection from a cafe or other locals?

Question

Like if i want to download music , can they still see my real ip address and track me down if i use a hot spot from a local.

Answer 1

You're confusing the IP address with the MAC address, and so is the first person who responded to you. The only time you have an identifiable IP address is if you connect through a dedicated line that gives you a static address, such as T1, T3, or cable. Dialing up or using a wireless hotspot sends the IP address of the provider, which could go to someone else the next time it's used.

The MAC address identifies your Ethernet adapter, so I guess it could be traced to an area of the country or even a specific store, but I'd imagine the only way anyone could find out who owns it now would be to suspect a particular person already of illegal acts and confiscate his or her computer to verify the MAC address. I'm pretty sure the MAC address is sent as part of the TCP/IP packet to allow your Ethernet card to determine which incoming packets are for you. If so, the MAC address would only be replaced prior to reaching the destination server if you use a proxy connection.

BTW, a MAC address has nothing to do with a McIntosh.

Answer 2

If you're at a "hot spot" it will likely be using a router that translates a single public IP address into multiple "private" ip addresses for everyone connecting (see link below). if that's the case someone on the outside wouldn't be able to narrow things down to your particular computer UNLESS they visited the shop and worked some magic on the router to find out just who was who.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_address_translation

Answer 3

If you are informed enough to have phrased your question this way you know the answer is no as what exact IP those server sees, but answer is likely yes as far as having done something illegally and police is on to you.

Answer 4

They shouldn't be able to see it if your at a cafe or something since thats Wifi i know with the Wii broadband connector you have to get permission to use it from the pc.

Answer 5

I'm not the expert on networking, I just try to answer your question. In my opinion, they can't identify your real IP, if you clear your cookies. Hopes it's useful. Correct me if there's something wrong. Thanks.

Answer 6

if you're using your own computer, regardless of where you're using it, and they wanted to find your IP address, they could.

Answer 7

i think so...make sure u have a firewall