Can Xfinity change your IP address?
Yes, Xfinity can change your IP address, as long as you do not purchase a static IP from them, as they do not have any obligation to keep the address they lease to you through DHCP.
You may notice that your IP address rarely remains normal, regardless of the internet service provider you use. This is a normal occurrence as long as you have not bought a static IP from Xfinity, and this is not something you can prevent either. Additionally, the IP address can change when you chance the router itself, although the changes may or may not happen frequently – the average timing is between one and three years.
Table of Contents
What is the importance of an IP address?
An IP address is an essential component of accessing the internet. An acronym for Internet Protocol, IP addresses are collections of symbols and numbers that are assigned to your device and dictate the data formats that you send over an internet connection.
Regardless of what you access online, the IP address will function like an actual address, as it helps transfer data from your device and back in a smooth manner. All actions you carry out online will involve IP address exchanges, as the servers learn your device through its address, and the device will learn the servers based on their addresses.
The IP address aims to save you the trouble of manually moving data between devices through external storage methods like memory cards. Contrary to what you may assume, IP addresses are not all created equal – they come in different forms, which we will outline below.
Types of IP addresses
IP address type |
What they entail |
Static |
These remain constant at all times, regardless of when you use the device to access the internet. This means that any device that uses the IP address retains it every time they connect to networks or access the internet. This address type is a favorite for home networks and large businesses, as they can move information quickly and They provide more reliable transmissions for data. The drawback is that they may experience security issues, and they are more expensive, compared to dynamic IPs. Additionally, you can only get them after approval from Xfinity. |
Dynamic |
These change every time when your device accesses the internet, as they will attach to public IP addresses. These work well for tablets, smartphones, and laptops, as these devices are mobile and you carry them everywhere, so they have high levels of security, as they are harder to track. They are also cheaper, so the ISP keeps them in use constantly. However, only devices with have a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) can use them. |
Public |
These are easy to identify and access online, and are unique to your device. This makes them easy to use, as they allow other users to access the network and get full internet connection and connectivity, but the drawback is they are easy to track, and can sometimes be unsafe during events such as hacking. |
Private |
They are more exclusive, and prevent other internet users from seeing your device, unless they are part of your network. Their advantage is that they help to secure your identity and IP address, but the disadvantage is you must use a public router or IP address before using them to access the internet. |
IPv4 |
A collection of 4.3 billion IP addresses. They are 32-bit numeric with numbers ranging from 0 to 255, which are separated into 4 groups of numbers. However, they are not assigned today, as they ran out. |
IPv6 |
Contrary to IPv4 addresses, these are 128-bit, and contain both alphabetic and numerical symbols, with colons separating them. They are widely used today, as the number of internet-accessing devices has increased. |
The cases when Xfinity changes your IP address
When signing up for Xfinity, the parent company Comcast will assign an IP address to you – the address is then meant to route your traffic from your computer or device you will use to access the internet to the website servers you will access.
However, there are many cases when the connection formed conflicts with various sites, or becomes slow and times out. In these instances, Xfinity can assign a new IP address to you, which can change easily through your router, as the basis of their use depends on your MAC (Media Access Control) address.
Additionally, IP addresses can change during an extended power outage, and when you change the router itself.
Can you get a new IP address while using Comcast cable?
Yes, it is possible to do so, through the following steps.
- If you do not have a router that can allow you to access the internet, get one. Its installation and activation will depend on the type of router you plan on using, but the result is the same – it helps you control the MAC (Media Access Control) address that assigns an IP address to you.
- Enter the configuration screen of the router through your computer’s internet browser, then typing the home address of the router into the navigation bar and log in. While a router will have a different network address, all addresses start with 192.168.
- Once you log in, check under the configuration screen and look for an area indicating ‘Clone MAC Address’. If you need to restore this later, you can write down the current MAC address, then choose the cloning option.
- Search for the ‘Renew’ or ‘Release’ the IP address, as this will assign a new IP address. After this, Xfinity will see the router as a new computer, which results in its system assigning a new IP address from its available IPs list.
Conclusion
IP addresses from Xfinity and other ISPs change all the time, with the only exception being when you purchase a static IP address. However, this is not a cause for worry, as it is standard procedure and shows the internet connection is safe regardless of the device you use for internet access.
FAQs
How often does Comcast change your IP address?
This can happen as frequently as 28 days, and can also happen after extended periods such as one year; this is because IP address changes depend on other factors.
Why does Comcast keep changing my IP address?
Because you do not have a static IP – changing IP addresses are a normal occurrence and happen frequently, unless you purchase a static IP type.
Does an IP address ever change?
Yes, it does, and it can happen frequently as well.
