What Is a Static IP Address? Choosing the Right IP Address for Your Digital Needs

My first “meeting” with the concept of a static IP address was in the mid-2000s when Counter-Strike and World of Warcraft were slowly asserting themselves as some of my favorite pastimes. Some game modes and custom maps often required a fixed address so you could connect directly and without issues.

That’s what a static IP address is — a distinct number that is assigned to your device on a network and remains unchanged every time you get online.

That is why typically servers and network devices use them. These days, we mainly rely on dynamic IP addresses for things, though static IP addresses still have their uses — as you’ll see further below.

To better understand today’s topic, we’ll first have to take a peek at what’s happening behind the scenes.

How IP Addresses Work

Each IP address acts as a unique identifier, usually consisting of four sets of numbers separated by periods. For example, an address might be 192.123.4.56, with numbers ranging from 0 to 255. Every device connected to the Internet has its own IP address and uses it to communicate with others, like when you cast something from your laptop to your smart TV.

Now, since these are random numbers we’re talking about, somebody has to convert them into words, and that somebody is the Domain Name System (DNS). It maps domain names to IP addresses, acting as a kind of Yellow Pages for every website in the world.

Because of the DNS, you can type a URL like HostingAdvice.com in the browser and immediately land on our site. In those couple of seconds, the browser asked the DNS for the IP address assigned to our domain name, and the DNS duly obliged by returning it, allowing the browser to display our nifty site to you.

Types of IP Addresses

On a basic level, there are two different types of IP addresses:

1. Static IP: Remains the same and can’t change even during multiple network sessions.
2. Dynamic IP: Changes every time your device is connected to the network.

Allow me to clarify. When you connect online, your device gets an address from a big pool of addresses. If you get a new address each time, it’s called a dynamic IP address. If you always get the same one, it’s a static IP.

And yes, you might get the same address a few times with a dynamic IP, but it’s not guaranteed.

IPv4 vs. IPv6

In the hosting world, you’ll often come across these two terms. The older of the two, IPv4 (short for Internet Protocol version four), has the standard “look” of an IP address, using a 32-bit address format. The address name is represented by a numeric address of four decimal numbers from 0 to 255, each representing eight bits and separated by three full stops — like 192.168.123.132.

However, IPv4 can accommodate a “mere” 4.2 billion or so address spaces. That’s why in 1998, with the Internet booming, IPv6 came about. It’s a 128-bit IP address written as a group of eight hexadecimal numbers and letters (only A to F), each representing four bits separated by a colon.

It looks something like this: 1abc:0:1:2:3456:cbff:fe8c:0 and can accommodate more than 340 undecillion (yes, that’s a number) addresses — an inexhaustible address space, at least for now.

Despite being inferior in almost every sense, the good ole World Wide Web still runs on IPv4, particularly legacy infrastructures and private networks for internal communication. You can also find it amongst IoT devices, whereas modern networks and infrastructures employ IPv6 from the start to handle the increasing number of connected devices (i.e., ISPs and mobile carriers).

Here’s a simplified explanation of static IP addresses so you can hopefully gain some insights into how networking works and the processes that power it.

Assignment

One does not simply get a static IP address. You’ll have to reach out to your network administrator or internet service provider (ISP) and request it. A network admin will set it up for devices such as servers, switches, and printers so you and others can use them easily and quickly.

Getting a static IP address from an ISP likely won’t be so straightforward. You have to be a commercial customer to get one, as most ISPs don’t offer them to “regular” residential users. So, what’s listed in your service agreement will dictate the assignment, but expect to pay for the privilege.

Do note that a static IP calls for the correct configuration of your DNS settings (mainly the A record) to point the domain name to that IP address. That way, your visitors won’t have a problem accessing your website or services, nor will there be any routing issues.

The exact setup process will probably vary a little between DNS providers, so be sure to check the guides or ask for specific support.

Addressing

This refers to the structure of a static IP address, where the two main elements are the network address and the host address:

• Network Address: The first part of the IP address that identifies the network to which the device belongs, e.g., in the IP address 192.123.456.321, 192.123.456 is the network address.
• Host Address: Identifies the specific device within the network, e.g., 321.

I know these numbers look random, but there’s logic to them, so bear with me. The number of bits representing the network and host portions is determined by the subnet mask. It’s a number in the same 32-bit format that distinguishes between the network and host address within an IP address.

But wait, what’s a subnet? Short for subnetwork, it’s a specific part of a network that shares the network’s IP address but has a unique subnet address.

Dividing the network into subnets allows for more efficient and secure data routing within a network.

So, a subnet mask is key for the network traffic to understand the IP address and know where to go. That way, other devices on the network can use the static IP address to uniquely identify and locate the specific device.

Now, you can create multiple private static IP addresses within a single IP network via subnetting. Meaning, each device has an IP address with a part that refers to the overall network IP address and a part that refers to its subnet. Since it’s used within a private network, such as a home or office LAN, it’s not accessible from the Internet.

You also have a public static IP address, which is the one assigned by the ISP and allows data in from the “outside world.” It’s visible to everyone, serving as the primary means of identifying devices online.

Protocols

For the most part, static IP addresses are used in conjunction with the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) suite of protocols. These are responsible for delivering data from one device to another by specifying how it is exchanged.

It works like this:

1. TCP first establishes a connection between two devices before data can be transmitted.
2. Then, data is broken down into packets and sent over the network.
3. TCP ensures that these packets are delivered in the correct order and that any lost or corrupted ones are retransmitted.

All of this means that the TCP/IP suite governs online communication. Other protocols, such as UDP (User Datagram Protocol) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), also support static IP addresses.

The former is used in streaming media and online gaming, while the latter can be configured for assigning static IPs to specific devices — though it primarily deals with dynamic IPs, as the name suggests.

There are a few ways you leverage static IP addresses, such as:

• Reliable Communication: Having a specific IP address provides a constant, unchanging network identification, which means a device will always be at the same internet location. This makes it easier for other devices to quickly find and communicate with each other, ultimately creating stable and reliable communication.

• Simplified Remote Access: Perhaps the most popular use case due to the fact that a certain device like a server will always be accessible. That’s rather beneficial for remote working, either via VPN or remote desktop software, as out-of-office users can swiftly access company resources and data.

• Improved Domain Name Resolution: Since there are no IP changes, the resulting connection is not only more reliable but also more consistent since it creates a stable endpoint for DNS. It can identify assigned hostnames faster, simplifying the hosting of websites and services while minimizing wait times for end users at the same time.

• Better Security: Static IPs can enhance security protocols by filtering legitimate traffic. IT teams can set up precise firewall rules and access control lists (ACLs) of permissioned static IP addresses to control who can access different resources and services. Doing so provides a bit more defense from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.

• Enhanced Performance for Certain Applications: It’s a little-known fact that static IP addresses contribute to faster connections because routers can more efficiently determine the best path for data packets to follow. The resulting boost in reliability and performance, however small it may be, can still make a difference in cases like gaming and VoIP where even the tiniest reduction in latency is helpful.

In summary, static IP addresses provide a stable foundation for more reliable communication and connection, as well as convenient remote access that works in favor of modern businesses.

As the old adage goes — you win some, you lose some. Here’s where things aren’t so great:

• Limited Availability: As I’ve explained before, IPv4 has a finite number of addresses. This has led to scarcity in certain regions like Asia amidst the growing number of interconnected devices. As a result, the ability to expand internet infrastructure and support business operations is at serious risk, despite the ongoing transition to IPv6.

• Higher Costs: Because there aren’t that many of them to go around, static IPs tend to cost more, either as an extra one-time fee or an upgrade to a business-level service, depending on your subscription and ISP. The cost can rise in case you need to cover multiple devices and websites.

• Complexity in Management: For starters, you have to manually configure static IP addresses after getting the go-ahead from your ISP. Then, you also have to be really tidy to avoid human errors in the form of IP conflicts or overlaps. While configuration and maintenance aren’t all that complicated (as you’ll see below), the entire management routine might be too much of a hassle for some.

• Security Risks: Despite their advantages security-wise, static IP addresses carry an inherent risk of predictability. Their constant nature means you are far more vulnerable in the event a hacker or some malicious actor finds out your IP address. They can track a device and subsequent data, which they can use to gain entry to your network or simply bomb the hell out of you with DDoS attacks.

To the majority of regular Internet Joes and Janes, static IP addresses may not offer much — unless they’re running a server or specific systems, as we’ll explore next.

Though a lot depends on your network configuration, it’s widely accepted in IT circles that a static IP address is ideal for creating a constant access point. Within that scope, here are the possible use cases:

Here’s a step-by-step guide for setting up a static IP address in a Local Area Network (LAN) by tinkering with the network settings.

Step 1. Contact Your ISP

Your first move is to contact the ISP’s customer support and make a request. Probably the fastest way to go about it is to put in a call and verify your account information. If you’re not much of a talker, email should work too. Some ISPs may offer a contact form or a dedicated section in their customer portal.

You’ll likely have to explain why you need a static IP address, including if there are any security issues or concerns. Most providers will approve a reasonable request, especially since you’ll have to shell out some money for the service. The entire process takes about a day or two, and you might need to restart your modem for the new IP address to take effect.

Step 2. Configuration Steps

If you’re left to your own devices (no pun intended) and need to alter or reset your IP address for whatever reason, here’s how you do that on different operating systems.

Windows 11:

1. Go to ‘Settings’, then click on ‘Network & Internet’ in the left sidebar.
2. Select your current connection (say, Ethernet).
3. Select ‘Manage known networks’, then ‘Properties’, then ‘IP settings’.
4. Click on ‘Edit’ next to the section labeled ‘IP assignment’.
5. In the drop-down menu, select ‘Manal’ and toggle on ’IPv4’.
6. Input the IP address and other information.
7. Click ‘Save’.

macOS:

1. Open ‘About Mac’ and click on ‘System Settings’. You can also access your settings from the dock.
2. Select ‘Network’ and the network you’re using.
3. Go to ‘Advanced’, then ‘TCP/IP’.
4. Select ‘Configure IPv4’ and then ‘Manually’.
5. Open ‘System Settings’, then ‘Network’.
6. Click on ‘Advanced’, then ‘TCP/IP’, then ‘WiFi’.
7. In the IPv4 address field, input the IP address.
8. Select ‘Apply’.

Linux is a slightly trickier affair since the steps may vary depending on the Linux distribution in question.

Linux:

1. Use the “ifconfig” or “ip addr” command to list your network interfaces. They should be named ‘eth0’ or ‘wlan0’
2. Look for the config file in /etc/network/interfaces (that’s where it’s normally located).
3. Use a text editor like Nano or Vim to edit the file.
4. Modify the following lines with the desired IP address, netmask, and gateway to set a static IP address:

auto eth0

iface eth0 inet static

address 192.168.1.100

netmask 255.255.255.0

gateway 192.168.1.1

5. Restart the networking service with the “sudo systemctl restart networking” command.

In any case, be sure to create a backup of your network configuration files before making changes.

Step 3. Considerations

I wouldn’t be doing a good job if I failed to discuss certain things you should take into account. Let’s start with the necessity.

Generally speaking, static IP addresses are a good fit for businesses that need all the good stuff they bring to the table, from the simple remote work system to an additional layer of network protection. They are also an excellent choice for hosting sites and email services due to a consistent and reliable address for users to connect to.

So, unless you need all of the above, your best bet is to remain with a dynamic IP.

If you are truly sold on the idea of a static IP address, I suggest you pay attention to how much it’s going to cost you. You will have to fork over some dineros, depending on the provider and your location.

Finally, think about the potential impact on your network setup. In case you have to add or remove a device from your network or even change its topology, you may need to update the static IP addresses assigned to your devices. This is where mistakes tend to creep up and result in connectivity issues.

In addition, it’s not unheard of for static IPs to have a hand in compatibility issues, particularly in complex network environments where there are some older devices, firewall restrictions, or NAT rules that may interfere with the status quo.

Let’s take a look at some of the supposed truths about static and dynamic IP addresses to find out which can benefit you.

Myth 1: Static IPs are Always Better

While they are more effective for data-intensive activities such as online streaming and gaming, static IPs are most definitely not the superior option in every scenario.

Dynamic IP addresses are better suited for home networks and daily Internet use, where security and privacy risks are much lower.

As I said at the very beginning, there are certain instances where static IPs have the upper hand, like when external devices or sites need to remember your IP address.

So, you should evaluate whether your needs coincide with these advantages and only then make a decision.

Myth 2: Static IPs are More Secure

This one is a mixed bag. While it’s true that static IPs have certain security boons, such as predictable access control and more granular firewalls, they can also present risks if not properly secured.

For example, you or someone in your team may inadvertently assign a static IP address to a compromised device. The attacker may be able to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to the network.

Also, compared to their dynamic counterparts that are more difficult to track, static IPs create an easier path for cybercriminals to hack you if they can uncover your IP address in the first place.

Granted, that’s not a small if, but the danger is still there.

Myth 3: Static IPs are Only for Businesses

That is simply not true. Yes, companies with websites and services (especially those that require guaranteed server and website uptime) are the bread and butter of static IPs, so to speak, but it’s not like that’s all they are good for.

They also provide faster data exchanges and more convenient remote access, which certain home users, such as gamers or those running personal servers, appreciate very much.

If you need to access your home network or devices remotely, a static IP address can simplify the setup and deliver consistent connectivity.

In this ever-evolving online landscape we duly partake in, static IP addresses remain a cornerstone of reliable and consistent network connectivity. The way things are, their abilities will long be lauded — and implemented — in various business operations.

Hopefully, you get the full picture and can weigh for yourself if the good stuff trumps the bad. Who knows — static IP addresses just might be the right choice for your network and the competitive edge you need.