Can Net Provider tell if 2 computers are connected to wireless router?

Question

Ok, I have two computers. Originally only one computer was wired to the wireless router and the other one was wireless. But the computer using the wireless was going really slow and disconnecting alot, so I connected it to the wireless router as well. So, can the internet provider tell that I have two computers hooked up to the same router/connection? The reason I am asking is that Our internet provider charged one of my friends for having two computers hooked up since the rate only covers one computer. I dont rememer exactly how she had it hooked up, but I know it wasnt through a wireless router. I just want to know do I need to go back to the wireless and do some troubleshooting or can I leave it the way it is and not worry about getting double charged?

I just checked, and both computers have the same IP address. Our internet provider has on their website that if you want to have networking in the home, ( or more computers) that it is an additional $30 a month to pay for their device, that we cant use our own.

Answer 1

I don't know who your IP provider is or their policy BUT normally you pay for one connection. If you use a router (wired or wireless) you are sharing that ONE connection between computers and do not have two connections so you should NOT be charged for more than ONE.

Can the ISP tell how many computers are connected.. YES if they want to... Almost all ISP's know that a customer will connect a router to the line and share that connection. Whether it is wired or wireless doesn't matter. All a wireless router does is share the connection using radio signals rather than using a physical wire. It does not matter if one is wired one wireless or what combination you use. It is how many connections the ISP is providing and that number is almost always ONE to a home.

An ISP does care if you are using WAY more that the standard bandwidth that is normal for the connection. What you pay for is bandwidth either a fixed amount or unlimited (with "reasonable" restrictions)

If one connection is slower than the other (wired or wireless) it is a configuration problem.


EDIT.... Two computers CANNOT have the same IP address and be on the Internet at the same time. Each computer on the Internet has a unique IP address. The same IP address will cause a conflict and one or both computers may not connect to the Internet. A standard router will get an IP address from the ISP and in turn share that connection by giving each computer connected to it a different IP address.

Just curious..What country are you in and Who is your ISP. Also are you using a Static (fixed) or Dynamic (server assigned) IP address.

Jerry

Answer 2

If your ISP tries to charge you for each computer on your network, change providers. They already impose a bandwidth restriction on your connection. They really have no business telling you amongst how many computers you can divide that bandwidth. They may be able to discern that you have a network, but they certainly can't tell whether you are connecting to your network wirelessly or via a wire. How you connect to your router is irrelevant. If you feel like trying wireless again, though, there are many many tips on the subject if you search answered questions.

Answer 3

ok you are only paying for the connection

you should not be charged if you have a wireless router in place and more then one pc

possible why your wireless was slow it was not setup right

Answer 4

You only need 1 connection, you are paying for bandwidth. No matter how many machines you connect you only get the same bandwidth. They may charge extra if you go over your download limit, but if you are on unlimited download they can't.

Answer 5

I.P. address ---- yes.

Answer 6

leave it as is .