What is an IP address?
An internet protocol (IP) address is a series of exclusive numbers that are designated by an Internet service provider (ISP) to any device that is connected directly to the Internet. IP addresses allow devices to exchange data.
What is a Dynamic IP?
A dynamic IP means that the number assigned by an ISP would be a temporary address that is assigned to a computer. A domain host configuration protocol (DHCP) server is tasked with assigning IP addresses to every new electronic device (node) on the network. Dynamic IP addresses can be reassigned to different nodes on the network and do not stay fixed to one node.
What is a Static IP?
A static IP is a permanently fixed number IP address assigned by an ISP.
A simple way to think about a static IP is that it is an address for your business or residence on the Internet. Much like a physical street address, a static IP is able to tell other computers or servers on the Internet exactly where a specific computer is located or connected to the Internet.
As you can see the difference between static and dynamic IP is that the static IP stays constant and does not change. This can offer several benefits to your business as far as the different services that may be available to you.
Public Static IP vs. Private Static IP
Public static IP addresses (or external IPs) are fixed IP addresses that are provided by your Internet Service Provider. Private Static IPs (or internal IPs) are fixed IP addresses that are configured for your network devices for your private local network by your IT solutions provider.
What Services and Equipment Would Require a Static IP?
FTP Servers
FTP servers are useful for establishing a method of transferring files between different employees that are connected to the local network.
Web Servers
Hosting the website for your business on your own server requires the use of a static IP. If you would like control of the configuration of your web server and would like to save money, hosting your own website may be advantageous.
Email Servers
Email can be critical to the productivity of your business. Businesses that manage their own email servers also require a static IP address. A manually configured email server will allow a business to have more control over things such as how sensitive your spam filter is or where incoming email comes from. In addition, hosting email in-house, in many cases, is more private and secure than utilizing a shared server.
Database Servers
Many businesses rely on database servers to house important information such as customer billing data or unique information specific to company products or services. Once again, database servers require a static IP because the node or computer that is requesting information from the database needs to know exactly where the data resides.
Virtual Private Network (VPN Service)
It is common in today’s work environment to have remote employees or workers. This is just one example of why many businesses would need a VPN for remote access to their business network. When a VPN tunnel is created, a specific permanent Internet protocol (IP) address would be required.
VOIP systems offer the benefit of lower costs, increased flexibility and more features than a traditional business phone system. Not all VOIP systems require a static IP but many recommend them.
Other Network Equipment
If your business has other network equipment, such as webcams, many of those devices would require a static IP to access them as well.
Additional Benefits
Reliable Connection
Since the ISP assigns a fixed IP to your network instead of a dynamic IP, this typically results in a more reliable connection. Through a dynamic host, your IP address changes which could lead to inconsistencies in your connection.
Easier for Geolocation Services
Services that need to establish a physical location are more accurate when you are consistently utilizing the same Internet protocol addresses.
While a static IP many not be critical for every business, many businesses would benefit from utilizing a fixed Internet protocol for the applications or tools that their day-to-day operations require.
FAQs
Since the address is fixed, there is no need for the device to request a new IP address from a DHCP server, which can reduce latency and improve response times. A static IP address is essential for businesses that host their services, such as web servers or email servers.
What is the benefit of having a static IP address? ›
A static IP address provides a device with a constant and unchanging network identification. It helps to ensure that devices can always access services like website and email server hosting and FTP. Convenient remote access.
Why would I need a static IP address for my business? ›
Choosing to use a static IP address is crucial for enterprises that want to improve their online presence. If your business needs a constant, unchanging internet address, ensure this choice aligns properly with your network's technical requirements, including the internet protocol version (IPv4 or IPv6) it uses.
Which of the following is an advantage of using static IP addresses for a business? ›
Stability: Static IP addresses ensure stable network applications and reliable connections, crucial for businesses with a significant online presence. Remote Access: They provide a consistent address for remote devices to connect to, facilitating the use of VPNs and other remote-access solutions.
Do you need a static IP for VoIP? ›
If you are a business and need better DNS support or compatibility with VoIP, then you need a static IP address. However, if you are using the internet for personal reasons, you don't need a static IP address, and dynamic will be better.
What are the benefits of a dedicated IP address? ›
A: Dedicated IP addresses are those assigned to a single domain. This exclusive ownership leads to fewer potential problems such as email deliverability issues, IP blacklisting, cyberattack vulnerability, and more.
Is it beneficial to assign static private IP addresses? ›
Static IPs are permanent and do not change over time. This makes them a consistent identifier for your device on the internet. This permanence is essential for services like web hosting and remote server access, where a stable, unchanging IP address is needed for continuous access.
Do I really need a static IP? ›
When static IPs are needed. Most users don't need static IP addresses. Static IP addresses normally matter more when external devices or websites need to remember your IP address. One example is VPN or other remote access solutions that trust (whitelists) certain IPs for security purposes.
How do I know if I need a static IP? ›
If you only need Internet access and don't require outside users the ability to access your internal systems then Dynamic IP may fulfill your needs. However, if others do require outside access to your systems internally hosted (i.e. web, email, FTP or VPN services) then you will need a Static IP.
What is a static IP address example? ›
What Is a Static IP Address? Instead of letting your router assign whatever IP address is free at any given time, you can assign specific IP addresses to the devices you access frequently. For example, I have my home server set to 192.168. 1.10, my main desktop to 192.168.
While most network-connected devices receive their IP addresses dynamically through DHCP, it's common to reserve part of the network address space for use as static IP addresses for devices such as routers, printers, FTP servers, and DHCP servers.
How does a customer use a static IP address? ›
A static IP address, however, never changes and can be assigned to a specific device. It allows you to host applications that can be accessed remotely. You must manually add static IP address settings into your network properties.
Why is static IP expensive? ›
The cost of static IP addresses, generally higher than dynamic counterparts, is influenced by a few things. Its higher cost, in part, has to do with the Intricate setup and configuration that is often required, leading providers to charge a premium for static IPs and their technical support.
What are the benefits of static IP? ›
Convenient remote access: A static IP address makes it easier to work remotely using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or other remote access programs. More reliable communication: Static IP addresses make it easier to use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for teleconferencing or other voice and video communications.
Does a business need a static IP address? ›
Do I Need a Static IP? Most businesses operate smoothly using only dynamic IP addresses. The type of IP address assigned to your device will not affect basic internet services such as email, video conferencing, streaming, and browsing.
When should you use a static IP address? ›
Static IP addresses are particularly useful for enterprises that need to guarantee server and website uptime. They also offer reliable internet connections, quicker data exchanges, and more convenient remote access via the following features and capabilities: Establishing a unique identification on the internet.
Do I really need a static IP address? ›
When static IPs are needed. Most users don't need static IP addresses. Static IP addresses normally matter more when external devices or websites need to remember your IP address. One example is VPN or other remote access solutions that trust (whitelists) certain IPs for security purposes.
Is static IP better for gaming? ›
Static IPs offer a stable connection. They ensure a seamless flow of data. They are great for online gaming. On the other hand, dynamic IPs can disrupt your connection.
Do I need a static IP address for security cameras? ›
A static IP address will ensure that any IP camera software or mobile apps that connect to your camera will not loose connectivity if there is a power loss or if your camera is intentionally re-started.
Does a static IP address cost more? ›
The cost of static IP addresses, generally higher than dynamic counterparts, is influenced by a few things. Its higher cost, in part, has to do with the Intricate setup and configuration that is often required, leading providers to charge a premium for static IPs and their technical support.
