Tom Melhuish 9 min read

What is a Static IP address?

Static IPs are essential for any freelancer, hobbyist or business with a robust online presence, as it facilitates hosting online services while providing security and user experience benefits.

But Static IPs aren’t free, which is why it’s important to look for the appropriate business broadband.

In this concise, we explain Static IP addresses in detail and explore the critical differences between static and dynamic IPs, all while giving you all the tools you need to get it at the cheapest rate possible.

What is an IP Address?

An IP address is known as an Internet Protocol Address.

This unique string of characters identifies each computer when communicating over a network or the internet, akin to a digital ID for the internet realm.

IP addresses look like this:

192.0.2.1

Static IP vs Dynamic IP

Here, we look at the difference between a static IP and a dynamic IP.

What is a static IP address?

A static IP address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to a device or network that remains constant and does not change over time.

In contrast, a dynamic IP address is assigned temporarily and changes when triggered by an event, like a device reconnecting to a network or after a certain period of time.

With a static IP address, your device will always have the exact same IP address. We will discuss why this is beneficial later on. Most networks tend to use dynamic IP addresses as opposed to static ones.

What is a dynamic IP address?

A dynamic IP address is essentially a temporary IP address that changes over time when your router or device reconnects or after a set time period. This means that your IP could change every couple of days, weeks or months.

These IP addresses are pulled from a pool. Most small businesses and households have dynamic IPs.

Why would a business need a static IP?

Static IP addresses are best for businesses that need their IP address remembered by external devices. This includes businesses that have their own internet services, website(s) or storage services to which remote users need to connect.

If these services were hosted by a dynamic IP, external hardware would have a lot of trouble accessing it, making it a very inconvenient experience for users. The IP needs to remain constant for external devices to connect easily.

Here’s a full list of the benefits of a static IP for businesses:

Hosting services – A static IP is essential if a business wants to host its own website, email server, or any other online service. It allows users to access these services consistently, as the IP address remains unchanged. With a dynamic IP, the address could change, making it difficult for clients or customers to reach the hosted services.
Remote access – Many businesses require remote access to their networks, such as accessing files, databases, or devices from outside the office. With a static IP, the company can set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection, remote desktop access, or other secure access methods that rely on a fixed IP address. This ensures stable and secure connections, even if employees are working from different locations.
Enhanced security – Static IPs can improve security for businesses. A static IP is often necessary for implementing robust security measures, such as firewall configurations, intrusion detection systems, or access controls that rely on IP-based rules.
Online services and applications – Certain online services or applications require businesses to whitelist specific IP addresses to grant access. By having a static IP, a company can ensure uninterrupted access to these services without the need for constant updates whenever the IP address changes.
Reliable communication – Businesses that rely on Voice over IP (VoIP) services, video conferencing, or any other real-time communication tools can benefit from a static IP. It helps ensure consistent and reliable connections, reducing the chances of dropped calls or interrupted conferences caused by IP address changes.
Remote monitoring and surveillance – Companies that employ remote monitoring systems, such as CCTV cameras or IoT (Internet of Things) devices, often require static IPs to access and manage these devices remotely. A static IP enables consistent monitoring and control, facilitating surveillance or maintenance operations.

You can compare business broadband deals from a wider range of business broadband providers through our comparison services.

Which providers offer a static IP address?

Most broadband providers offer a static IP address as an add-on to their business broadband deals.

The costs are usually one-off; sometimes, broadband providers will add them to your monthly subscription.

Can I get a static IP without switching broadband providers?

Yeah, you can. If you want a static IP address, but your broadband provider doesn’t offer it, you can look into the following:

Using a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) or
A VPN which has a static IP address.

Static IP – FAQs

Here are a few frequently asked questions surrounding Static IPs.

Does a static IP improve internet speed?

No. They have absolutely no impact on your broadband speed. They allow you to run efficient and secure network services. However, they have no impact on your internet speed.

Do I automatically get a static IP?

No, you don’t. It’s usually an additional add-on cost from your broadband supplier or a monthly recurring charge. Or you can create one using dynamic DNS or a VPN.

How do I know if my IP is static?

To find out whether you are using a static IP, check next to the “Configure IPv4” – if it says “Manually”, – you have a static IP; if it says “Using DHCP”, – you have a dynamic IP. Failing that, you can always contact your broadband provider directly and request this information.

How do I obtain a static IP address?

Typically, you would need to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and request a static IP address. They will guide you through the process and may charge an additional fee for this service.

Can I assign a static IP address to any device?

You can assign a static IP address to computers, servers, routers, or network printers. However, not all devices or networks support static IP configurations, so checking the device’s specifications and network settings is important.