When to Use a Static IP Address

By Amily Smith On Jun 27, 2023

When it comes to managing your network and ensuring consistent connectivity, understanding when to use a static IP address can be crucial. Static IP addresses offer a range of benefits, including better control over your network settings and enhanced security measures. In this article, we will explore the scenarios where implementing a static IP address is recommended and provide practical insights on how to effectively utilize this networking solution. Whether you’re a small business owner, a network administrator, or an individual user, learning about the advantages of static IP addresses will empower you to make informed decisions about your network infrastructure. So, let’s delve into the world of static IP addresses and discover how they can optimize your network stability and performance.

Static IP Address Uses

There are various instances where having a static IP address becomes necessary. Let’s explore some typical situations that may require the use of a static IP address:

Home File Server: Having a static IP address when setting up a home file server ensures continuous and ongoing access to your files and data.
Additional Router: Incorporating a second router into your network configuration, such as creating a different network segment, frequently necessitates assigning the secondary router a static IP address.
Remote Access: A static IP address helps you to establish a reliable connection to a computer if you need to access it remotely, whether from a distant location or while traveling.
Port Forwarding: A static IP address is required when implementing port forwarding to direct incoming network traffic to specific devices. This ensures that the forwarding rules stay precise and consistent.
Network Printer Sharing: Sharing a printer across a network necessitate assigning the printer a static IP address, ensuring that all network devices can reliably identify and connect to it.
Remote IP Camera Access: Connecting to an IP camera remotely for surveillance or monitoring requires a static IP address to establish a reliable and safe connection, regardless of your location.

Static & Dynamic: What They Mean

The distinctions between static and dynamic are clear. Static and dynamic IP addresses are fundamentally different from one another in that the former never changes while the latter does.

If their IP address changes, most people don’t care. Dynamic addresses are suitable for you if you never know what your IP address is and never have a reason to keep it the same.

Static addressing is what you need, however, if your network or computer is configured in a way that certain devices would operate more easily and setup would be simpler for you as the administrator if an IP address always remained the same.

An administrator assigns static IP addresses by hand. In other words, a specific address, such as 192.168.1.2, is assigned to the device receiving the static IP, and that address remains constant going forward.

Dynamic IP addresses aren’t given out by hand. By using DHCP, they are automatically assigned (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).

When Static IP Addresses Are Used

Devices that require constant access must use static IP addresses.

For instance, if your computer is set up as a server, such as an FTP server or web server, a static IP address is required. Make the computer use a static, never-changing IP address if you want to make sure that users can always access it to download files.

If the server were given a dynamic IP address, it would occasionally change, making it impossible for your router to identify the server computer on the network.

Setting up the computer to use a static IP address enables you to access that computer at any time without worrying that the address will change and prevent you from accessing it, which is useful if you need to access your home computer while traveling or your work computer while you’re at home.

Another situation where a static IP address should be used is with a shared printer. Give your printer a permanent IP address if you need to share it with everyone in your home or place of business. In this way, since the address is static, connections made by all computers to that printer remain stable indefinitely.

In addition to the previously mentioned use cases, there are further justifications for opting for static IP addresses:

Enhanced Network Security: Static IP addresses provide somewhat more protection against network security vulnerabilities than dynamic IP addresses given via DHCP. You limit the risk of potential vulnerabilities connected with IP address changes by maintaining a consistent and constant IP address.
Compatibility with Non-DHCP Devices: Certain network devices, such as outdated equipment or specialized hardware, may not support DHCP for IP address assignment automatically. In such circumstances, static IP addresses are critical for network connectivity and device integration.
Prevention of IP Address Conflicts: DHCP may occasionally assign an IP address that is already in use by another device, resulting in disputes and network communication disruptions. You can prevent such conflicts entirely by adopting static IP addresses, ensuring seamless and uninterrupted network operations.
Accurate Geolocation Data: Geolocation services frequently rely on IP addresses to detect a device’s or user’s physical location. Because dynamic IP addresses change frequently, geolocation data becomes less exact. Static IP addresses provide more exact geolocation information, which can be useful for a variety of applications and services.

When Not to Use a Static IP Address

Static IP addresses provide advantages in some scenarios when it comes to networking and IP address assignment. However, there are times when utilizing a static IP address is not the best solution. Here are some instances in which a static IP address is not recommended:

Dynamic Network Environments: Using static IP addresses can be inconvenient if your network changes frequently or if you routinely join and disconnect devices. In such cases, dynamic IP address assignment using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is more versatile since it assigns IP addresses to devices as they connect to the network.
Limited IP Address Management: Managing a large number of static IP addresses can be time-consuming and difficult. By automatically assigning and managing IP addresses, DHCP simplifies IP address administration, making it more efficient in cases where scalability and ease of management are critical.
Roaming Devices: If your devices often switch between networks or locations, adopting static IP addresses may cause connectivity issues. Dynamic IP address assignment allows devices to get an IP address unique to the network to which they connect, ensuring continuous communication across many locations.
Temporary Network Setups: Using dynamic IP addresses is typically more practical when setting up temporary networks, such as for events or temporary offices. It eliminates the need for manual IP address assignment and simplifies the setup procedure, allowing devices to seamlessly connect to the network.
Simplified Network Troubleshooting: In network contexts, dynamic IP addresses make troubleshooting easier. If a network problem arises, DHCP allows for the speedy reassignment of IP addresses, which aids in the diagnosis and resolution of connectivity issues.

Static IP Address Assignment on Home Networks

Static IP addresses are more frequently used by businesses than by home networks. Static IP address implementation is difficult and frequently requires the assistance of a skilled technician.

For your home network, you can, however, use a static IP address. The private IP address ranges specified by the Internet Protocol standard should be used when assigning static IP addresses for local devices on home networks and other private networks:

10.0.0.0–10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0–172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0–192.168.255.255

Thousands of IP addresses are supported by these ranges. People frequently believe they can select any number from the available options and that the particular choice doesn’t really matter. This can’t be.

Use these recommendations to select and configure specific static IP addresses that are appropriate for your network:

Choose no addresses with the characters.0 or.255. Usually, network protocols reserve use of these addresses.
.The addresses at the start of a private range shouldn’t be chosen.
Network routers and other consumer electronics frequently use addresses like 10.0.0.1, 192.168.0.1, and 192.168.0.100. When attempting to breach a private computer network, these are the first addresses that hackers attempt to attack.
Choose an IP address that is within your local network’s range. For instance, all devices’ subnet masks must be set to 255.0.0.0 in order for them to support all addresses in the 10.x.x. private range. Some of the static IP addresses in this range won’t function if they’re not.

How to Get a Static Public IP Address

Obtaining a static public IP address for your network or internet-connected devices can give advantages such as persistent remote access, hosting services, and a stable online presence. While Internet Service Providers (ISPs) normally supply static public IP numbers for corporate plans or specific subscription packages, there are a few alternatives to consider:

Contact your ISP: Begin by contacting your ISP and inquiring about their static IP address offerings. Many internet service providers (ISPs) provide business-grade internet plans or supplementary services that include the option for a static IP address. They can give you information about availability, pricing, and how to improve your current internet service.
Business Internet Plans: ISPs frequently offer dedicated business internet plans to meet the needs of commercial customers. Static IP addresses may be included as a basic feature or offered as an add-on option in these plans. For further information, look into business internet packages or contact the ISP’s corporate sales department.
Request a Static IP Address: If you already have a residential internet service or a regular business plan that does not include a static IP address, you can request one from your ISP. Some Internet service providers may charge a monthly subscription for static IP addresses. Discuss your needs with their customer service or sales team to assess availability and prices.
Consider a Virtual Private Network (VPN): Using a VPN service can give you with a static IP address in some instances. VPN service providers may provide dedicated IP addresses that remain constant when you join to their network. If you need a static IP address for certain reasons such as accessing regionally restricted content or maintaining a consistent online identity, this can be a viable choice.
Explore Third-Party Services: There are third-party providers that offer static IP addresses for a variety of uses. These services frequently require tunneling your internet traffic through their servers, after which you are assigned a static IP address. Investigate and analyze credible companies in this field, taking into account criteria such as dependability, security, and affordability.

Conclusion

Typically, static IP addresses are best for businesses, which host their own websites and internet services. Static IP addresses also work well when you have remote workers logging into work via a VPN.