What Is a Static IP Address and How to Get One?

What a static IP is? How does it differ from a dynamic IP? And how can you obtain a static IP address?

If these concepts seem confusing, don’t worry. This blog will demystify everything about static IP address in a simple and engaging way. Keep reading as we demystify it together!

What Is a Static IP Address?

An IP address is an inimitable identifier for devices on the internet, similar to a street number for every household. Just as you need your friend’s address to visit them, in the vast “streets and alleys” of the internet, each computer, server, smartphone, and even printer requires a unique address so that other devices can accurately find and communicate with them.

Usually, most IP addresses are dynamic and change occasionally. A static IP,  by contrast, is essentially a permanent IP address given to a device, like an “unchanging street number.” Regardless of when the device is restarted, the static IP remains constant, much like an ancient castle steadfast in its location.

When Should We Use a Static IP Address?

In many scenarios, static IP addresses play a crucial role, particularly when specific network configurations or demands are involved:

・Server Hosting and Remote Access

If you’re running servers like a web server or mail server, a static IP ensures that visitors can consistently find your server, avoiding client loss due to frequent address changes.

・Remote Access

If you have to work from a remote location, a static IP address allows you to smoothly connect to a specific network and seamlessly access its resources. It simplifies remote desktop configuration, enhancing work efficiency without frequent IP updates.

・Need Stable Network Connection

For devices that need steady connectivity, like printers and cameras, a static IP ensures a reliable network connection. It’s like giving each appliance its dedicated power outlet, preventing inconveniences from frequent plugging and unplugging, and ensuring devices are always online.

・VPN Using

Similar to having a fixed entrance to the encrypted tunnel, a static IP simplifies VPN configuration management and allows remote users to access global content through a fixed IP address, effectively avoiding VPN detection.

・Domain and DNS Settings

Having a static IP is akin to registering a never-expiring number in a phone directory, ensuring anyone dialing can always reach you. It ensures DNS pointing is always accurate, preventing resolution issues caused by IP changes.

・Enhance Security Management

With a static IP address, each device has a unique and unchanging identifier, allowing administrators to easily determine which devices are permitted access, thereby simplifying firewall rule settings.

・Office Network Management

Networks with static IP are simpler to manage, making it great for small businesses. It enhances resource allocation, troubleshooting, and device monitoring while supporting reliable internal services for efficient operations.

・Accessing Sensitive Services

Using a static IP address for sensitive services or online banking enhances the reliability of online identity verification. This stable IP reduces security alerts and access restrictions caused by location changes.

The Advantages of Static IP

Static IP has the following advantages:

😆Stability and Reliability: Static IP addresses remain unchanged, making them ideal for devices and services that require consistent connectivity.

😆Ease of Management: It’s easier to manage and configure, supporting complex network devices and settings like port forwarding, VPN connections, and firewall configurations.

😆Facilitates Location Tracking: Helps in pinpointing and tracking specific devices, providing accurate records of network activity.

😆Consistent Geolocation: Ensures services like weather forecasts or traffic updates always provide accurate location info, enhancing data consistency.

😆Constant Identity: A fixed network address signifies a stable network identity, reducing security alerts caused by IP changes.

😆Prevent IP Address Conflicts: Using a static IP can effectively prevent address conflicts that might occur with dynamic IP allocation.

The Disadvantages of Static IP

While static IP addresses can offer benefits in specific situations, they also come with notable disadvantages:

👿Additional Management: Static IP addresses require manual configuration and maintenance, significantly increasing management complexity. 

👿High Cost: Due to the special configuration and management required for static IPs, most ISPs charge extra fees for static IP addresses.

👿Security Concerns: Since static IP addresses are permanently tied to your device, the risk of being tracked by malicious third parties or suffering a DDoS attack increases significantly.

👿Resource Limitations: Static IPs are fixed, and with the current shortage of IPv4 addresses, assigning a fixed IP address can limit the use of network resources.

👿Limited Availability: Static IPs are a finite resource, dedicated to a single customer and cannot be reallocated to another user.

Static IP vs Dynamic IP

A dynamic IP address is the exact opposite of a static IP, meaning that every time your device connects to the network, your ISP automatically assigns you an IP address via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol(DHCP). This results in the device’s IP address constantly changing, so each time your phone or computer connects to your home network, it may get a different IP address.

🔥Its main characteristics are:

1. Automatic Assignment: No manual configuration is needed, making it simple and quick, and it promotes efficient utilization of network resources.
2. Low Cost: Provided by ISPs without additional fees.
3. Flexible Application: IP addresses are reassignable as needed, making them particularly useful in environments with a fluctuating number of connected devices.
4. High Security: Constantly changing your IP address, akin to frequently moving houses, makes it difficult for malicious actors to locate you.

Comparing static IP and dynamic IP addresses, we can quickly see clear differences in their use cases.

A static IP address is like a permanent home address, making it ideal for hosting websites, email servers, and remote work systems. Its stability allows external partners and services to easily locate and interact with it. Additionally, using a static IP simplifies setting up IP whitelists and firewall rules, enhancing network security.

In contrast, a dynamic IP address is similar to a room number randomly assigned to you when you stay at a hotel. While this variability is inconsequential for most individual users, it is not suitable for devices that require stable, continuous connections. However, due to their low cost and convenience, dynamic IPs are widely used in home networks or small businesses. Their changing nature also offers some security advantages for everyday internet needs.

How to Check Whether Your IP is Static or Dynamic?

As We mentioned earlier, dynamic IP addresses are automatically assigned by DHCP, while static IPs require manual configuration. This characteristic is key to distinguishing between the two.

Here’s a guide on how to check if your IP address is static or dynamic on different operating systems:

For Windows PC

Step 1. Type Command Prompt in the Windows search bar, and run the program.

Step 2. Enter “ipconfig /all” and hit the Enter key.

Step 3. Check the DHCP Enabled line. If the result is No, your IP Address is static; if it’s a Yes, you’re using a dynamic IP.

For macOS

Step 1. Navigate to System Settings> Network> Wi-Fi.

Step 2. Click the Advanced…> TCP/IP.

Step 3. Find the Configure IPv4 option. Using DHCP means a dynamic IP, while Manually means a static IP address.

For Android

Step 1. Navigate to Settings> Connections> Wi-Fi.

Step 2. Hit the icon next to the connected Wi-Fi. Sometimes it appears as a gear or a right arrow.

Step 3. Find the IP settings option. DHCP means a dynamic IP, Static means a static IP address.

For iOS

Step 1. Navigate to Settings> Wi-Fi.

Step 2. Click on the network you are connecting to.

Step 3. Find the IPv4 Address> Configure IP option. Automatic means a dynamic IP, while Manual means a static IP address.

How to Get a Static IP Address?

If you detect that you are using a dynamic IP, then you can get a static IP address by the following 2 methods.

Get a Static IP via ISP

Step 1. Contact your ISP to inquire about the availability, cost, and network requirements for a static IP.

Step 2. Choose a plan and make a payment to obtain your static IP address. Your ISP will provide you with detailed address info.

Step 3. Now, you can manually configure the static IP address on your device.

💡For macOS, iOS, and Android users

Follow the steps in the Checking guide above to find the network configuration settings, switch from DHCP to the static IP option, and enter the necessary configuration details.

💡For Windows users: 

Follow the steps below.

Step 1. Navigate to Settings> Network and Internet.

Step 2. Choose the connection you’re using and head to Manage Known Networks.

Step 3. Find Properties> IP Settings> IP assignments, and hit the Edit button.

Step 4. Choose Manual and turn on the IPv4 button.

Step 5. Now enter all configuration info and hit Save.

Get a Static IP via X-VPN

Of course, we highly recommend using X-VPN‘s static IP feature to obtain a static IP address. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of a static IP along with the following features:

・Robust Online Security: Protect your data and privacy with top-tier VPN encryption technology, eliminating your browsing traces.

・Wide Selection: Access over 8000 VPN servers that support static IPs, allowing you to choose any IP to disguise your online identity for a long time and improve privacy protection.

・Global Content Access: Route your traffic through global servers to bypass regional restrictions and enjoy a wider range of media content at more favorable prices.

・Improved Gaming Experience: Reduce game ping, optimize server connections, and ensure a smooth gaming experience.

Getting a static IP with X-VPN is so simple. Here’s a detailed tutorial below:

Step 1. Get a VPN download on your iPhone or Android phone. Currently, the X-VPN Static IP feature is only available for cell phones.

Step 2. Sign up for an account and subscribe to an X-VPN premium plan. 

💡Of course, you can also enjoy the static IP feature with the 7-day free trial. If you are not satisfied with our service, you can cancel anytime during the trial period.

Step 3. Browse through our list of global servers, select your favorite country/city, and connect to that server.

Step 4. Disconnect now. Then Navigate to Me> Settings> Static IP. 

Step 5. You will find all the IP addresses you have connected before. Now choose one and hit the Connect button. Now you can always use that IP address and enjoy stable Internet access.

Conclusion

After reading the entire article, we trust you now have a comprehensive understanding of the static IP address. If you’re looking to achieve a more stable internet connection while maintaining online security, simply click the button below to download X-VPN and effortlessly obtain a static IP.

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