Let me explain

Maxis is trying to save IPV4 address , after all we are running out of IPV4 (or already have run out - I need to check). So they came up with two options , Private IP and Public IP option for their broadband.


Now , private IP is not something new. Our routers assign private IP , this what allows us to share 1 Internet connection to all of our PCs in household. What maxis is doing is that instead of you giving a Public IP (an IP address which can be accessed by anyone) they give you their own Internal IP which then connects to a public IP. Something like you are put behind their "router"

They do offer Public IP for those who need it , aka people who want to view their CCTV from outside and other complicated setup. For gamers , we want Public IP - this includes games like COD MW series whereby if you are behind NAT , there is no way on earth you could host a game. For games like WoW , DOTA2 and others (TF2 , basically Source-based games) - its not a concern. However for games that which require you to be the host and want the ports to be opened

Who should get Public IP ?

1. hardcore gamers that host and play games
2. CCTV owners
3. You run your own webserver (aka web developer)/developer

I don't know if Maxis charges you for Public IP