What happens to Bitcoins sent to an IP address where the sub-net computers are each running Bitcoin software ?

Do they all receive an equal share of Bitcoins ? lol

Relatedly, what protections are in place for preventing someone from forging a Bitcoin Address?

Thanks, I understand that and my port 8333 is correctly forwarded to my 24/7 Bitcoin machine.

However, lets say that I have 2 machines on the same IP running Bitcoin without port 8333 forwarded on either !

Bitcoin node (1) 192.168.0.2

Bitcoin node (2) 192.168.0.3

So, I would guess that 192.168.0.2 machine would receive the bitcoins because it is the first IP on the sub-net ?

Not so ? I have had 2 machines connected (getting 4+ connections on each) and generating Bitcoins on the same static IP address. The port 8333 is of course forwarded for connection through my firewall, which I guess is what you mean. However, connections to other nodes are made without port 8333 being specifically forwarded through my router to a specific machine (sub-net IP), which is of course the best way to max connectivity. I understand Bitcoin only requires 1 other connection for transactions, yes ?

I think my original question was valid and thanks for clarifying this everyone. NewLibertyStandard I think is correct "If I remember correctly I think I was told that they would be sent to the first bitcoin application with whom the sender connects."

I dislike communication on forums, it's hard to discuss topics sometimes when all parties mean the same thing and communicate it in a different way !

I have enough internet connections, routers and PC equipment - So, I'm off to make an 'official' test for myself whilst I RTM 

Thanks for clarifying that satoshi.

I'm more than happy to share my static IP for testing - I run a Tor Relay from this IP so the address is already publicly available at http://trunk.torstatus.kgprog.com/ for example.

Please note that this is not the IP address from where I will be running my 'Bitcoin Bank' exchange service. It's a personal IP address and is effectively my project contribution and testing 'Lab' for other open source projects. I'm a big contributor of Grid Republic etc.

*** N.B. Post has been edited after the successful testing ***

Anyone is still welcome to make a test payment to my IP. Please send me a forum PM first and stipulate in the comments if you are making a test payment or a donation, so that I can return your Bitcoins to you, if you wish. Any donations will be much appreciated and will help to set up the separate 'exchange service' faster.

Please email: bitcoinfx @ gmail.com regarding any issues. (EDIT: no longer in use 2014)

You can also visit my website: BitcoinFX - http:// www .bitcoinfx .cz.cc EDIT: Domain no longer active - An early manual e-currency exchange by email only - the domain only provided contact info. etc.

Thank you.

Thanks SmokeTM.

Both Micro donations were successfully received.

That's not possible.  You've handed control of the money over to the recipient's keypair.  Only that key can control it.

It's similar to if you encrypt a file with AES and a strong password, and you lose the password.  The data is lost.