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Question

Network Breach? Help

Apr 9, 2018 4:45PM PDT

Need some experienced feedback.

Recently I noticed some "quirks" with the quality of my network. Netflix signal would degrade or stop all together, frequent disconnects from streaming and gaming services on my PC. Called Comcast and they said nothing to worry about. I remained doubtful.

My networking knowledge is very limited but Im trying to learn more. so I mapped my network and then removed all wireless devices from it. Phones tablets etc The only thing left connected is my Ethernet connected PC. but when I run a "arp -a" from the commandline it shows 2 different internet addresses both with the same physical address. Both are dynamic. One of these is my PC, the other internet address shows Falls Church Virginia.

I have reset my modem, changed the name & password of my home network, changed the name of my ethernet connection and yet this internet address remains.

Is there any reason for this? Comcast said they only saw my ip address as the one connected to the internet. Why is this other dynamic address there? What could it reference? my modem? my router?

Any help or just a point in the right direction would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
So far, no sign of a breach.
Apr 9, 2018 4:58PM PDT

The arp command can indeed do that so I won't call that proof. Did you try turning off the WiFi for a time? Remember that for best Netflix and streaming we don't deploy on WiFi but use Ethernet and powerline networking instead since it's so simple to interfere with WiFi.

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unknown Dynamic IP
Apr 9, 2018 5:13PM PDT

My concern is not about netflix. I appreciate that the signal would improve with a direct wired connection. What I am trying to figure out is why this dynamic ip from Falls Church is showing up with the same physical address as my PC several hundred miles away.

Im trying to find a legitimate reason for this so I can understand it better and not be worried that someone is spying on me.

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About spying.
Apr 9, 2018 5:21PM PDT

Given the news, there is no question what you do on the web is logged. I don't see how we can assuage fears here given what we know today.

As I don't have the report you have I can't comment further except you may want to get on a VPN instead of using your ISP without protection if spying is a concern.

Be aware that a lot of VPN's log what you do and places you go. Here's a link about that:
https://www.techradar.com/news/best-no-logs-vpns-of-2018-to-stay-private-and-anonymous

If you need more about VPNs that log, I have articles about that but ISPs and governments already log and snoop along with other companies. If this is a concern you have to take action.

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More than one external IP?
Apr 9, 2018 5:36PM PDT

Given we usually get both IPv4 and IPv6 assignments, nothing wrong about that.

Just a thought.

I have other ideas but I don't know your ISP or if that other idea applies so I won't write it here.