A static IP address can facilitate remote access solutions and enhance network security. Setting up a static IP address is a simple process on most operating systems. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for configuring a static IP on all popular systems, as well as using your router.
Contents
A static IP address can be useful for remote access systems, like virtual private networks (VPNs) and proxy servers.
Unlike dynamic IP addresses, which most devices use, static IPs don’t change. If you’re setting up your own server — for example, if you want to host work resources for employees to access remotely — being able to designate a dedicated IP address can be useful.
Static IP addresses are also great for virtual private networks (VPNs). If some members of your team work from home while others are in the office, you can host programs and sensitive files on a (with a static IP address), to which team members can connect with a VPN client (an application on their device). Now everyone has secure access to the same resources, wherever they are based. Services like NordVPN also offer their own dedicated IPs which can be used for work purposes.
On some occasions, you may need to change or reset your IP address to resolve errors and other problems, including the IP address conflict on Windows. That’s another way in which being able to change your IP settings is useful.
Input the “ifconfig” command, the name of your network interface, and your preferred static IP address.
$ ifconfig [interface name] [ip address]
For example, let’s say your network interface is called “etho1” and you want to set your IP address to “00.000.00.000” (for obvious reasons, this is not a real IP address). To do this, you would run the following command:
$ ifconfig etho1 00.000.00.000
To verify that the new IP address has been set, run the “ifconfig” command with the name of your network interface. Sticking with the interface name from the example above, it would look like this:
$ ifconfig etho1
A Raspberry Pi computer is a single board computer that’s extremely cost-effective and versatile. Here’s how you can set up a static IP address for the tiny computers.
You can set a static IP address through your router for any device on its network. To do this, you’ll need the MAC address of whatever device you want to configure with a static IP address, and that device must be connected to the router.
NOTE: Different router brands use different systems, so these instructions won’t relate exactly to your router.
Want to read more like this?
Get the latest news and tips from NordVPN.