I have a network of 10 sites that I plan on using in 3-way link exchanges with other sites. Would it be wise to get dedicated IPs for all these sites? I've heard Google checks the IPs of sites in link exchanges in order to detect 3 way exchanges. Is this true?
Yes. This was one of my biggest mistakes. Plan on getting penalized for doing that on a shared ip server. Google checks for the server's C-Block. Some servers allow you to assign different IPs to different accounts, but keeping the same c-block behind it. Have a totally unique IP for each website you have.
Poohbear speaks the truth, have unique IP's. If you notice, any SEO software tells you the IP addresses of your backlinks and the percentage from each. So Google can easily determine that. To take it a step further, set up each site completely different. So they do not look the same, different links, graphics, writing style (if you can) etc. "Appear Natural"
Actually.... they are sort of correct. Google actually looks at IP's but.... It also looks at the class C of the IP address too. So if you have the same host and they give you dedicated IP addresses make sure they are on a seperate C (most hosts can't do this). Class C = 192.168.123.23 - - AAA.BBB.CCC.DDD
I know because I have tested it out with all of my affiliate sites (50+) and I went through a world of hurt. So now I have 50+ different hosting companies and I don't link any of my sites together. And as an extra precaution I have also registered them under 20 different family members names. The point is that it is better to be cautious.