What is a static IP, and why do you need it?

What is a static IP address?

A static IP address is an IP address that always remains the same. An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a device connected to a computer network. It allows data traveling across the internet or a network to reach the correct destination, similar to your home address, which ensures that mail reaches your house. 

An IP address always follows a specific numeric pattern. This sequence of numbers can change over time (dynamic) or stay the same (static). Both IPv4 and IPv6 can be used for static IPs. IPv4 is the older, more common format consisting of 32-bit numbers with addresses like “192.168.1.1.” IPv6 is newer and designed for more devices, using a 128-bit structure with longer addresses like “2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.”

Broadly speaking, IP addresses consist of two types — public and private. A public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider (ISP). It’s used by external devices or systems to connect to your network, which allows data from the internet or devices to find its way to you. Meanwhile, your devices have a private IP address to connect to your local network. Static and dynamic IP addresses both fall into these categories and can be either public or private, depending on the setup.

Why would you use a static IP address?

A static IP address is incredibly useful for anyone needing a reliable and consistent connection. Businesses often use static IP addresses for things like hosting email or FTP servers, running videoconferencing tools, or accessing webcams and internet-of-things (IoT) devices. With a static IP, these services can always be accessed easily because the address never changes. In private setups, a static IP is just as useful. For example, assigning fixed IP addresses to devices like printers, smart TVs, or home automation hubs can make managing a home network simpler and more efficient. Here are all the use cases when a static IP might come in handy:

• Remote access. The most common use case for a static IP address involves remote access systems, like virtual private networks (VPNs). For added security, a company can make access to its resources and databases dependent upon the user having a specific IP address. With a static IP set up on the company server, employees can use a VPN application on their devices to connect to the server and access important files or databases.
• Server hosting. If you’re setting up and hosting a server, using a static IP address can make it easier for devices to find and quickly connect to it without any guesswork. 
• Home network management. On a private network, assigning static IPs to devices like printers or smart home hubs can make them easier to manage and ensure that the network runs smoothly without potential IP conflicts.

A static vs. dynamic IP address

The main difference between a static and a dynamic IP address is how often they change. A static address doesn’t change over time, unlike a dynamic IP address, which changes periodically and gives you a new IP address, usually each time you connect to the internet or after a set period. A static public IP address will stay the same no matter what unless the user requests their ISP to change it.

However, having a public static IP address may come with an extra fee from your ISP since static IP addresses have to be reserved from a limited pool of available IP addresses. Businesses and organizations often prefer static IPs for the stability they provide because it makes managing servers, remote access, and certain online services much easier. But most individual internet users can get by just fine with dynamic IPs.

In the early days of the internet, when dial-up connections were still widely used, dynamic IP addresses changed every time you connected to the internet. Today, most people keep their internet gateway on almost all the time — you don’t switch off your router when you’re not online, after all. As a result, a dynamic IP address won’t change as often now. If you don’t reboot your router, you may only get a new IP address once or twice a year depending on your ISP and configuration.

A static IP address, whether public or private, doesn’t change. The device associated with it is configured to always connect to the internet or communicate between local devices using the same IP address. However, you can usually change it manually. For example, if you’re having problems with an IP address conflict on Windows, you may wish to change your static IP or switch to a dynamic address.

Advantages of a static IP address

Depending on your personal or business needs, using a static IP address might come with several useful benefits:

• Convenient remote access. With a static IP, remote access solutions, such as security cameras and remote desktop programs, can always connect to the same device. This functionality is especially useful for businesses where employees must access company resources remotely to perform daily tasks.

• Consistency of the network. A static IP gives a device a permanent network identity and ensures that devices can always access services like website hosting, email servers, security cameras, and IoT devices without interruption.

• Simpler hosting and DNS server management. Having a fixed IP allows businesses to ensure a continuous and stable service, making it easier to host servers for websites, games, or other applications. It also simplifies domain name system (DNS) server management by eliminating the need for frequent updates, helping reduce downtime for the user.

• Location consistency. A static IP ensures that websites and services can always give accurate location information based on your IP address.

• Easier network management. For businesses or homes with multiple devices, static IPs can simplify network management. Assigning static IPs to devices like printers, security cameras, or networked storage devices means they can always be found at the same address. This makes tasks like troubleshooting, device configuration, or setting up internal services much easier.

• Better security. Static IP addresses can enhance security by making it easier to set up firewalls and other security measures. Since the IP doesn’t change, it’s simpler to monitor internet traffic and block suspicious activities.

Disadvantages of a static IP address

While a static IP address does not have any major disadvantages, it can come with a few potential downsides. For most everyday internet users, a static IP may not be necessary, and in some cases, it can even be less practical. Unless you’re running a server, for example, you can probably stick with a dynamic IP address for now.

Here are the main disadvantages to keep in mind when considering a static IP address:

• Possible security concerns. Having a static IP could, in theory, make it easier for hackers to target you, assuming they are able to find out what your IP address is. However, the dynamic IP address on your router already changes so infrequently that the risk factor is not massively increased by using a static IP address.

• Additional costs. Most ISP companies charge an extra fee for assigning you a static IP address. If you don’t need the stability and reliability of a static IP, it may not be worth the extra cost.

• Limited availability. Static IP addresses are limited resources. Once assigned to a user, they cannot be reused or reassigned to someone else until the user gives them up. This can create a shortage of available static IPs, especially for ISPs or businesses that manage large networks.

How to set up static IP addresses

You can set up a static IP address on various devices and, in general, the process is fairly simple. You simply have to switch your current IP settings from dynamic to static and, in some systems, input your preferred IP address. Keep in mind, though, that this usually only affects your private IP, not your public one. Once you set a static private IP, your device will always connect to the network with the same address, which comes in handy for tasks like remote access or setting up web servers. 

How to get a private static IP on Windows  

If you want your Windows device to have a static private address, follow these steps:

1. 1.Access your network settings. Open the Control Panel and go to "Network and sharing center."  
2. 2.Click on "Change adapter settings," then right-click your current network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select "Properties."  
3. 3.In the properties window, select “Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”  
4. 4.Choose “Use the following IP address” and input your preferred IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway (you may need to get this info from your router settings).  
5. 5.Click "OK" to apply the changes. Your device will now use the static IP you set.

How to get a private static IP on macOS  

Setting up a static private IP on a macOS device is just as simple:

1. 1.Click on the Apple menu and select “System settings” (or “System preferences” in older macOS versions). Open the “Network” section.  
2. 2.Choose the network you’re using (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), then click "Details."  
3. 3.In the “TCP/IP” tab, change “Configure IPv4” from “Using DHCP” to “Manually.”  
4. 4.Enter your desired static IP address, subnet mask, and router address.  
5. 5.Click "OK" and then "Apply" to save your new IP settings.

Watch our video on how to set up a static IP MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.

How to get a private static IP on a router  

You can also set up a static IP address for your network by configuring your router:

1. 1.Access your router’s admin panel by opening your preferred browser and typing your router’s IP address into the browser’s address bar. Then, log in using your admin username and password.
2. 2.Go to the DHCP settings. Usually, you can find them under the “LAN setup” or “Network settings” section. 
3. 3.Reserve a specific IP address for the device you want to assign a static IP.
4. 4.Follow any additional instructions in your router’s manual for more details on how to complete the process.

How to get a public static IP  

As mentioned earlier, the steps above will only change your device’s private IP to a static one. If you want to make your public IP address static, you should contact your ISP and ask them to issue you a static IP. However, keep in mind that depending on your ISP and your contract with them, you might need to pay an additional fee for this service.

You can also get a static IP address through NordVPN, which offers static dedicated IP addresses in various locations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and Germany.

How to protect your IP address, whether it's static or dynamic

You can protect your IP address online with a VPN, whether it’s static or dynamic. VPNs mask your IP address from the websites and servers you interact with online, allowing you to operate under the address of a VPN server.

What can someone do with your IP address? Unfortunately, quite a lot. It can be used to target you with annoying ads, ruin your internet experience with DDoS attacks, and even locate you.

To protect your IP address, get a premium service like NordVPN. With one NordVPN account, you can protect up to 10 devices, including your router. As soon as you connect to the VPN, your data is routed through a VPN server. This means that any website you visit will only be able to see the IP address of the server and not the one of your network. Your online activity will be more private — even your ISP won’t be able to monitor your browsing habits.

NordVPN also offers more security and privacy with its additional Threat Protection Pro™ feature. It limits the risk of malware infection, stops intrusive online trackers, and blocks annoying adverts.