To properly set up your access to TexShare, it is necessary
that you provide us with IP addresses for your Internet computers
using the online form. These
addresses help us insure that only authorized computers are
accessing TexShare services.
What is an IP Address?
"An IP, or Internet Protocol, address is an identifier for a
computer or device on a TCP/IP network. Networks using the TCP/IP
protocol to route messages based on the IP address of the destination.
The format of an IP address is a 32-bit numeric address written
as four numbers separated by periods. Each number can be zero
to 255. For example, 1.160.10.240 could be an IP address.
Within an isolated network, you can assign IP addresses at
random as long as each one is unique. However, connecting
a private network to the Internet requires using registered
IP addresses (called Internet addresses) to avoid duplicates."
Are There Different Kinds of IP Addresses?
IP addresses are not free. It costs money to ask for and receive
a set of IP address numbers. In some cases, larger institutions
have been able to set aside large groups or ranges of IP addresses
for their computer networks. These organizations need to report
these groups or ranges to TexShare, taking care to exclude any
IP's that need to be excluded [see
security].
There are two ways for an organization to deal with assigning
and keeping track of large numbers of IP addresses. In many
cases, authorized Internet-capable computers are assigned
a "fixed" IP address -- one that is permanently assigned to
each machine. Many institutions don't have the luxury of having
a large pool of addresses to assign on a one-to-one basis.
Going on the theory that not every computer will be on at
the same time, they use a form of "dynamic" IP addressing
-- assigning a different number from a limited pool every
time the computer connects to the network.
If you are accessing the Internet through a dial-up provider,
you are most likely using a "dynamic" IP address--one that
changes every time you dial in and log on. If this is true
for you, then you may consider contacting your Internet Service
Provider to see whether you can be assigned a fixed IP. Some
ISP's are willing to do this for an additional charge, which
can vary. Some will do it for free.
Please contact
TexShare representatives by telephone or email if you
have any questions.
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