wireless router, multi computers, multi IP addresses?

juniper · Jun 22, 2011

Hi, we have a wireless router at home with 4 different computers that link to it regularly for internet and another one that can (netbook, used infrequently).

My question is: Does each computer have a different IP address even though they're all using the same router?

Reason why I want to know: I've read that, while searching online for plane tickets, a travel site will note if a certain IP address is checking the same route at different times, to get different prices. And then will think, "Ah ha! This computer really wants to fly from Orlando to Boston!" and ratchet the price up.

So, if I search for a ticket on different computers in my house, will I be able to trick the travel site into thinking it's not really me, on different computers? That it's 4 different people?

Many thanks.

kuwisdelu · Jun 22, 2011

juniper said:
Hi, we have a wireless router at home with 4 different computers that link to it regularly for internet and another one that can (netbook, used infrequently).

My question is: Does each computer have a different IP address even though they're all using the same router?

Reason why I want to know: I've read that, while searching online for plane tickets, a travel site will note if a certain IP address is checking the same route at different times, to get different prices. And then will think, "Ah ha! This computer really wants to fly from Orlando to Boston!" and ratchet the price up.

So, if I search for a ticket on different computers in my house, will I be able to trick the travel site into thinking it's not really me, on different computers? That it's 4 different people?

Many thanks.

They will have the same IP address to the Internet. They will have different local IP addresses within your local network, but the Internet will only see the router's IP address. It'll probably rely on cookies for stuff like that, though, so even switching to a different browser should make the site act like you're different people. However, I really doubt it'll randomly crank up the price for that.

Deleted member 42 · Jun 22, 2011

The travel sites aren't going to care. The amount of data processing they'd have to do makes it not cost effective.

JohnLine · Jun 22, 2011

If your web provider assigns IP addresses dynamically, your IP address will change every once in a while. You can encourage it to change by resetting your modem; although, on certain IPs it might take a while for it to start working again (and on a few you might have to call them to get it working again).

cbenoi1 · Jun 23, 2011

> And then will think, "Ah ha! This computer really wants
> to fly from Orlando to Boston!" and ratchet the price up.

Maybe if you check on Greyhound and Amtrack too, the site will think "Uh-oh. Better lower the prices."

Just my stupid C$0.019926.

-cb

MoLoLu · Jun 23, 2011

JohnLine said:
If your web provider assigns IP addresses dynamically, your IP address will change every once in a while. You can encourage it to change by resetting your modem; although, on certain IPs it might take a while for it to start working again (and on a few you might have to call them to get it working again).

This tends to be the way things work. Most ISPs distribute IPs to routers dynamically meaning you *may* have the same IP adress several times in a row but you'll never really be able to decide. Static IPs tend to cost more as they guarantee availability 24/7 on the same adress and are mostly used by companies and hosting services.

I googled this briefly and it seems that if they do track, it would be via cookies which do not depend on adresses. You can just clear your browser cache and delete the cookies. On a sidenote, this seems to be a common practice known as dynamic pricing. I've never seen it make a notable difference myself and never heard anyone complain but what do I know? I never order online anyways.

juniper · Jun 23, 2011

Thanks everyone. I'd heard that from Clark Howard, noted financial guru who used to own a travel agency but can't find my source again.

When my gullibility and general paranoia and skepticism at corporate practices all collide, it's the perfect storm.

On another note, booked two RT flights west coast to east coast. Cost about as much as my first car. Ouch.

wireless router, multi computers, multi IP addresses?

juniper

Always curious.

kuwisdelu

Revolutionize the World

Deleted member 42

JohnLine

Owns a pen.

cbenoi1

MoLoLu

juniper

Always curious.