who assigns IP address, RSP or ISP?

Hi, this is a simple question but I've not been able to find a coherent answer anywhere on the net, and its kind of urgent

- if you connect to your ISP from overseas, as in a global roaming account, and you use a local POP to dial in from
- who assigns the IP address? will it be the local (overseas) ISP, or will it be your ISP at home??

its confusing me because one of my friends has been travelling all over Europe (so he says) but his IP addresses are all from the local service provider here in his home town. I am wondering if he is playing a joke on me.

Does anyone know about this??

 

global roaming? like 800 dial in?

 

Yes, as in, Telstra (telephone and ISP) in Australia for example - you can use your dialup account when you go overseas.
All you do is make a call to a local ISP (e.g. in Paris) who provides a Point of Presence for the Roaming Service Provider - who is connected to your ISP back in Australia, and you use your home dialup account.

Every email header and ICQ connection I've had from my friend are Australian IP addresses - by his local ISP.


I am just a little suspicious. If he connects firstly to a Paris ISP, wont his address be assigned at the POP there?

Are IP addresses totally dependant on your account with a telephone company and their servers? Even if you're only using their servers indirectly?