IP Address Confusion

[Mr_Question]

As far as I understand, a laptop is assigned a different IP address for each different location it connects to (each different wireless network would assign a different IP address to the SAME laptop). A computer DOES NOT have a unique IP address unless it always connects to the same network.

If I connect to an open wireless network, say, at a hotel, is it possible for my download/upload activity to be tracked to my individual computer, or to me? Or can it only be tracked as far as having taken place at the hotel, and no further than that? Similarly, if there are multiple laptops at a single house with one wireless router, is it possible to tell which laptop did the downloading/uploading?

The RIAA typically busts people who download/upload at their own home, thus they might always have the same IP and are easily tracked. But if people do the deed from a wireless hotel internet connection, can they POSSIBLY get caught? If so, HOW do they track you? I'm not talking about plugging in to a cable in your hotel room, I am talking about open wireless networks at hotels, that may or may not require a password.

Please, constructive comments only (and only if you know some answers). I've Googled myself to death trying to find an answer with no luck. Thanks!

[wimiadmin]

Yep...they can track it to you.

The information they have about your computer will be the MAC Address. Those are very unique....as a matter of fact, I don't think any 2 in the world are alike.

With that being said, the hotels, or other open wireless networks are either only going to store this data for a short period of time, or not at all. BUT, the ISP could store this data for quite some time. In order for them to find you, you'd have to connect back to their network....they'd have to go the hotel and physically look at every single laptop connected to the network in order to see that it was you.

[systemslave]

Well, there is more to the story. If you did absolutely nothing from the motel room except run file sharing software you would have the best chance of being anonymous. However, if you browse the network your computer is probably tracked by Google and other tracking companies. Ever notice how often Google Analytics flashes on the bottom of your browser window? If you are using the web chances are you have tracking cookies and information that identify you wherever you go. What Wimiadmin said about MAC addresses is true, there are no two the same in the world. The first half of the address identifies the manufacturer of your network card and the last half identifies what card by that manufacturer you own. So even the MAC address you leave behind tells something about you. Every time you load a web page your browser tells the server what operating system you are using and what version of browser you have. The DHCP server that assigns your IP address will log an entry matching your IP address (that you note changes) with your MAC address (which does not).

Now the chances that the RIAA will go to the trouble of finding you may be slim. This is why people make such a fuss over the information gatherers like Google though. What happens if a judge orders Google to release information to the RIAA?

If you want to know if Google knows where you are right now see what adds show up as you browse the web. I bet they are for services near you. I bet they are services that fit your profile (what you search for and what kind of pages you browse most of the time). That means they know who you are and where you are. Now Google does not care about you personally. They sell a service to targeted advertising. They help people who have products find people who want products. Google does not catch, fine, or punish. But they are just one of many companies that might know about your stay in the motel.

[0siris]

I'm not going to get into a long debate about this, but I feel it is necessary *and* constructive to remind everyone that filesharing copyrighted works is wrong. Period. Unless you have explicit permission from the copyright owner to do so.

I am no fan of RIAA, MPAA, or any of the other industry lobbying groups that are attacking legitimate Fair Use and individual rights on Copyright. But that doesn't mean that violating copyright is OK.

There. I've had my say.

As for the technical information, I'd simply be parroting what's already been said. The MAC address is the key to ID'ing a person even on various networks. It can be "spoofed." IANAL, but I think using it to hide yourself is illegal.

[clanmills]

I'd like to support 0siris on this one.

A crime is a crime, even if you try to evade detection. Using ways to obscure your identity (hotel rooms and so on) is like a thief wearing gloves to avoid leaving finger prints.

You can be tracked. Every Mac address is unique. In addition there are cookies and other invisible software agents revealing your identity.

Beware!

[systemslave]

Let me say that I agree with Osiris also. My point was that there is always someone out there smart enought to catch you if they really want to. The only way to be safe is to be good.