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What Is A Static IP Address And Why It Is Important? [The UK guide]

A static IP address is an Internet Protocol (IP) address that doesn’t change. This type of IP address is very important for businesses because it allows them to have a more reliable connection to the internet and their website.

Ip address background

 


So, you must be wondering what is a static IP address right? There are many benefits to having a static IP, which we will discuss in this blog post, and further information on how to find your IP address

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What is a static IP address?

Static IP Addresses (also known as fixed or dedicated IP addresses) do not change. Typically Static IP Addresses stay with the device until it is decommissioned, modified, or otherwise stops working with the network. Static IP addresses are typically for servers and specialized equipment, making them easy to find.

 

Static IP topology

 

Why You Should Get a static IP address?

Another way to think of a static IP address is to think of how our physical addresses don’t change. It’s easy for others to find us as long as we share our static IP address.

A static IP address can be useful for all sorts of networked devices, especially if those devices are dedicated to a particular task. This is because the IP address never changes meaning that other similar machines always know how to contact it.

One advantage to having a home network with static IP addresses is that any request for information that utilizes this address can be sent directly to the corresponding computer such as FTP requests.

A static IP address (unlike a dynamic IP, which varies) is an easy way to minimize the confusion and inconvenience of having to update your router every time the computer’s IP address changes.

Neglecting to reserve a custom, static IP address would mean that nobody could get to your website – since the router has no idea which device in your network is serving your site.

Computers that connect to a file server in the workplace could be set up to always connect using the static IP instead of its hostname. Even if the DNS server stops functioning, computers can access files from a file server through its IP address.

Dynamic vs Static IP Address

There are no perfect IP address solutions. Sometimes a computer or device should use a static IP address; other times, the best solution is a dynamic one.

 

dynamic vs static image

 

Deciding which type of IP addresses best suits your needs depends on the nature of the connection. A static IP address is more appropriate for a business, while a dynamic IP provides better service to homes.

Devices that often have static IPs assigned to them are servers and peripherals. If you’re an occasional user of the internet and don’t need your IP address to be static, then it won’t matter if it changes.

Static IP addresses are usually provided as perks on web hosting and email providers, but this doesn’t mean you need one for running your website.

Static IP addresses are fixed, while dynamic IP addresses change each time they are assigned. Some benefits to static IPs include a faster internet connection, easy remote access, and more!

Dynamic and static IP comparison

Static IP Address Dynamic IP Address
Always remains the same. Dynamic IP addresses are subject to change.
Commonly assigned to servers and other high-tech devices. Dynamic IPs are assigned by DHCP servers.
Assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Dynamic addresses are used because IPv4 doesn’t provide enough static IP addresses.
The static IP address could be IPV4 or IPV6. Probably your home or office may be assigned a dynamic IP address by your ISP’s DHCP server
Depending on the nature of your agreement your ISP may not allocate you static IP. Dynamic IP is the standard used by and for consumer equipment.

 

Pros and cons of a static IP address


Pros

  1. Best for Server hosting
  2. Gives good DNS support
  3. Perfect for remote access
  4. Reliable communication support
  5. Better geolocation services response.


Cons

  1. Vulnerable to hackers.
  2. Quite expensive.
  3. Locations can be tracked.


Frequently asked questions

Static IP addresses are an important part of network infrastructure and make it easier to work remotely on public networks.


Static IP addresses are necessary for devices that need constant access. For example, if your computer is configured as a server, such as an FTP server or web server, you will require a static IP address to function properly in the long term.


Static IP addresses have a potential security weakness since hackers can attack the firm network unhindered. Static IP addresses are much more expensive than dynamic IP addresses. Setting up a static IP address is usually more complicated without assistance from your ISP.

Having a dedicated static IP address never increases the chance of your system being hacked. But less secured software may allow intruders to hack your system.

It is possible that a static IP address would increase your internet speed, especially when downloading or uploading data.

It is a common misconception in the gaming world that having a static IP address over a dynamic may lower the ping.

As for the case of IPV4 it is not possible because the limit of IPV4 addresses has been exhausted and only some amount is left for assigning. However, in the case of IPV6, it is possible to get IPV6 static IP address for free.

Static IP addresses are not cheap they are charged at a monthly fee or the ISP makes you upgrade for a business plan.

In the case of routers you have manually configured them. A router uses a static IP address for its WAN interface. Below are the steps through which you can find the static IP of your router:

  1. Navigate to settings.
  2. Tap wi fi settings.
  3. Tap and hold the network you are currently connected to.
  4. Check the box next to Show advanced options.
  5. Choose static under IP settings.
  6. Your IP address is under the gateway section.


Static IP addresses are necessary for devices that require constant access such as FTP servers or Web servers.

Assigning a static IP address to your device will allow it to use the same IP address every time.

Conclusion

Static IP addresses are typically best for businesses that host their websites and internet services. Static IPs also work well when remote workers log in to your network via a VPN. Dynamic IP addresses are more cost-effective for most consumers and pose less of a security risk.

Hopefully, after reading this blog post, you’ll know how to answer the question: what is a static IP address?