They can check to see if your system has a current lease on the DHCP
server.  If not, they can see if it's up with a ping.  If so, they know
you've got a static address set.

That bit about Excite charging more is BS.  Just because we put in a
static IP doesn't mean it's static to Cox.  They can change your
assignment and you have to keep up with the changes.  If they guaranteed
you a static address, then I could see charging more.

"Mark R. Myers" wrote:
> 
> How would they know, unless they tried to give your IP address to someone
> else?
> I have 3 static IPs from @Home. I pay extra for the other two.
> Could possibly @Home have done a port scan on your computer and found
> servers {Gasp!} running. If so, then that might explain why they want you
> with DHCP--so that you cannot run a domain on the @Home network.
> I do hope Cox provides us with a better Internet provider soon.
> Mark
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: plug-discuss-admin@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us
> [mailto:plug-discuss-admin@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us]On Behalf Of tim
> cutler
> Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2001 10:44 PM
> To: plug
> Subject: Cox now insists on DHCP protocol
> 
> Like most linux users on Cox@home, I have a static IP address. Now,
> Cox@home has sent me email and tells me that they have "identified" my
> computer as having a static address and not using DHCP protocol. They
> are now insisting on my computer to adopt the DHCP protocol.
> 
> I never managed to get DHCP protocol to work on my linux and wound up
> using a static IP address (as was recommended here, thanks) to good effect.
> 
> I've tried the linux netcfg GUI, selecting "DHCP" for the protocol. As
> soon as I do that, I'm off the network.
> 
> So, my trial and error begins again. I'm looking for any breadcrumb
> clues to speed this unpleasant process up. I prefer NOT to use the f!@**
> netcfg GUI (I hate that GUI; unless it works EVERY time it should always
> tell you what files it's "fixing"). I would rather get pointed to any
> /etc/ files that matter.
> 
> I have RedHat 7.1.  I don't get why this is so hard for linux.
> 
>         tc
> 
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