Is it possible to connect to a wireless hotspot without getting an IP address?

Lisa Phifer, Core Competence

Is it possible to connect to a wireless hotspot without getting an IP address, thus remain anonymous while surfing?

Internet users must have an IP address in order to surf the Internet. But, when you connect to a hotspot, you are dynamically assigned a private or public client IP from the hotspot provider's address pool. There is nothing that binds that IP address to you as an individual. That IP belongs to the provider, and many customers will use the same IP over the course of time, perhaps even during that same day. The IP is only bound to you for the duration of your hotspot session or DHCP lease, whichever ends first.

If this is not sufficient reassurance, there are many "anonimizer" proxy servers that can be used to obscure your...

Step 2 of 2:

You forgot to provide an Email Address.

This email address doesn’t appear to be valid.

This email address is already registered. Please login.

You have exceeded the maximum character limit.

Please provide a Corporate E-mail Address.
- I agree to TechTarget’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and the transfer of my information to the United States for processing to provide me with relevant information as described in our Privacy Policy.
Please check the box if you want to proceed.
- I agree to my information being processed by TechTarget and its Partners to contact me via phone, email, or other means regarding information relevant to my professional interests. I may unsubscribe at any time.
Please check the box if you want to proceed.

IP address while surfing from any Internet connection. For example, see Free Anonizmer, i-safetynet, SpaceProxy, SilentBrowser, Cotse, and AngelSurf. To learn more about these sites and what they do, visit this page. For example, some disable tracking cookies that might otherwise be left on your computer when you're surfing the web.

This was last published in November 2005

BT outsources hotspot provision to customers but doesn't tell them

Beware 'Free Public Wi-Fi' when searching for a net connection

BT bundles smartphone with broadband

Mobile operators block VoIP application

Big Tech's uneasy balance of capitalism, censorship

Microsoft slow to fulfill request for more Teams channel control

Ensure phone system compliance with 911 regulations

Qualcomm to buy Nuvia for $1.4 billion

High phone prices driving consumers to the used phone market

Compare Android Enterprise vs. Android Device Administrator

When the chips are down, Intel turns to VMware’s Pat Gelsinger

Intel CEO Bob Swan to be replaced by VMware’s Pat Gelsinger

Top 5 data center technology trends to watch in 2021

3 steps to blazing a trail to a better partner experience

Atos floats DXC acquisition proposal

Early IT channel career advice: Start at an MSP or a help desk?