ISP can tell what my internal network ip's are?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the misconception that ISPs can see internal network IP addresses. A user experienced issues with DNS resolution while connected through a router, which was resolved by switching to OpenDNS servers. The technician from the ISP confirmed the presence of multiple IP addresses but clarified that due to Network Address Translation (NAT), only the public IP address is visible externally. Tools like nmap can infer router types, but internal IP addresses remain hidden from ISPs unless disclosed by the user.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Network Address Translation (NAT)
  • Familiarity with DNS resolution processes
  • Basic knowledge of router configurations
  • Experience with network scanning tools like nmap
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how Network Address Translation (NAT) functions in home networks
  • Learn about DNS server configurations and the benefits of using OpenDNS
  • Explore the capabilities and usage of nmap for network reconnaissance
  • Investigate potential security risks associated with JavaScript on web pages
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Network administrators, cybersecurity professionals, and individuals interested in understanding home network configurations and security implications of DNS and NAT.

fargoth
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ISP can tell what my internal network ip's are?

To make a long story short, I use a router, with two computers behind it, I called my ISP for technical help, and the technician there told me I use a router (which is a reason for him to not help me..). He said he sees more then one IP address!
how can it be possible?!

I suspect he pulled a nasty trick on me - when i use a single computer and connect directly through the modem, (via DHCP, i have an "always on" connection) i can resolve the domain names just fine.
but through the router i can surf only to the sites which are still in the DNS cache...

I switched my router to use the OpenDNS servers, and now the problem is over.
but i got the feeling something fishy took place...
 
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No, no one on the outside can see your internal IP addresses. This is because your connectivity device (in this case a router) performs network address translation (NAT). This modifies the header of the packet and inserts the IP address of the router (the public address). The private address class (example 192.168.x.x) is not routable across internet. All outsiders will see is the public address assigned to you by your ISP. They can't know the internal setup unless you volunteer this info.
 


Well, there are ways to guess that you are running behind a router. For example, nmap -O will try to guess the operating system, which will often say something like "Linksys embedded" for a router (assuming your router is visible to the internet, as it would be if you enabled remote administration). This page goes into detail about exactly how nmap makes that guess.
 


what about this site?
http://www.auditmypc.com/anonymous-surfing.asp

(under the map it tells you your internal IP)

it uses a javascript silently, which doesn't only display your internal IP address to you, it also registers it in a list on that site.

is it possible my ISP's DNS redirects me first to a site like this one, runs the script, and then sends me off to wherever i wanted to surf?

maybe i'll do a traceroute just out of curiosity...
 


No, your router uses NAT (Network Address Translation) to convert the internal to external IPs

j
 

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