RE : Computer Name/NetBIOS Name/Hostname woes ?

[a_non_prevaricator]

RE : Computer Name/NetBIOS Name/Hostname woes ?

When using the Terminal App while operating from a partition that runs off of Mojave OS X 10.14.
My usual Computer Name does not appear WHEN said laptop is connected to
the internet via an Ethernet Connection.

However, when I unplug said Ethernet cable from the laptop, the Computer Name
(that I created some time ago) reappears within the Terminal window.

Here is an example...

Running a Terminal Command without Ethernet unplugged =
Last login: Wed Dec 15 09:26:41 on ttys000
(Computer Name):~ (Account Name)$ diskutil list

Running a Terminal Command WITH Ethernet plugged IN =
Last login: Wed Dec 15 09:27:02 on ttys000
modemcable616:~ (Account Name)$ diskutil list

I did some research into this problem before posting here
and I discovered that this mysterious "modemcable616"
appears under System Preferences > Network > Advanced > NetBIOS Name

Even more ODD. when I am using Wifi, instead of my Ethernet cable to access the interwebs.
At this point within the Terminal app the usual Computer Name appears!

I suspect that the "modemcable616" is some designation from my Internet Service Provider,
however I can't say for certain, because I am unaware of such aspects.

Questions :

1. Why/how is this happening?
2. Is it something I should even be concerned with?
2.2 Does this mean whomever/wherever this Username/Computer Name "modemcable616" is,
(possibly my Internet Service Provider ???)
IS or CAN have access/ control/ monitor my laptop?

 

[ferrarr]

1. Why/how is this happening?

I believe the name is a generic designation, just like the generic "network connection" name. I believe you can change the name, in System Preferences > Network.

2. Is it something I should even be concerned with?

I wouldn't worry about it. Ethernet is both faster and more secure than wi-fi.

2.2 Does this mean whomever/wherever this Username/Computer Name "modemcable616" is,
(possibly my Internet Service Provider ???)
IS or CAN have access/ control/ monitor my laptop?

No.

 

[a_non_prevaricator]

Thanks for taking the time to respond ferrarr,
In response to....
1. I will have to check the System Prefs > Network to try changing the name.
2. Indeed it IS
3. Phew, it is nice to get some feedback here. Not much of a reply with the same questions over on the Apple Community Discussions.

Seasons Greetings to you and yours.

 

[IWT]

Not much of a reply with the same questions over on the Apple Community Discussions.

In that case, stay with us. We are all volunteers and we do our best to sort out the varied problems of our members.

Ian

 

[Raz0rEdge]

The hostname doesn't matter at all, it primarily only means anything in a network environment when you are trying to connect to multiple devices and so on.

Your local network is very much protected from the outside world since it's inaccessible. Your cable modem/router has a public IP address, but it has a firewall that prevents unauthorized access.

 

[a_non_prevaricator]

The hostname doesn't matter at all, it primarily only means anything in a network environment when you are trying to connect to multiple devices and so on.

Your local network is very much protected from the outside world since it's inaccessible. Your cable modem/router has a public IP address, but it has a firewall that prevents unauthorized access.

Thanks for replying. Excuse my ignorance, I'll have to do some more study concerning this subject. Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year!