Business broadband: Get a static IP address

If you run a small business from home, or simply want to take your office connection to the next level, a static IP address will open up a whole host of new possibilities.

From accessing your work PC and receiving emails from your work account, no matter where you are, to running your own website and being able to send larger files than you can by email, a static IP address will enable all this and more.

What is an IP address?

An IP, or internet protocol, address is a unique set of numbers that essentially identifies each computer connected to the internet. It's what differentiates your computer from the billions of other devices connected to the internet. In the same way someone wanting to send you a letter needs your address, other computers need your computers IP address in order to communicate with it.

Most home broadband packages come with a dynamic IP address. This means that every time you access the internet your computer is assigned a new IP address. This is used because it reduces the hassle for broadband providers of having to assign a specific addresses to each device on their network and also reduces the number of unique addresses required as not every one of a providers customers will be online simultaneously, meaning addresses can be shared.

What is a static IP address?

A static IP address is basically an IP address that is unique to you and remains yours, rather than you being assigned a new one every time you access the internet. Business broadband providers often include static IP addresses with their packages because they are useful to businesses.

Static IP addresses make it easier for your computer to be identified and located, enabling you to do a lot more online.

Connect from home

Using a static IP address means your computer will keep the same 'address' each time it connects to the internet, - essentially it will stay put. This means you'll be able to log on to your computer remotely from another computer, allowing you or your colleagues to work from home or another location yet still be able to access all the applications, drives and files you need to do your job properly.

Connect with clients

A file transfer protocol (FTP) server is an application that enables you to securely send large files to clients and colleagues over the internet. There are a number of third-party FTP services available online, but having a static IP address means that you can set-up and run your own FTP server, giving you and your clients the peace of mind that confidential files will remain just that.

Run your own website

Not many start-ups start up without having their own website these days and, if you're a small business owner, having your own site will give you a far wider reach than your resources might otherwise allow, enabling prospective customers and clients to find your business, get an idea of what you can do for them and get in touch with you.

With a static IP address you'll be able to run your own website, including creating a domain name, and even be able to use .co.uk email addresses that carry that domain name. Many business broadband providers will include a number of these as part of your package, along with a static IP address, and often offer you the option to buy more if you need them.

Business broadband packages

As well as static IP addresses and, of course, connecting you to the internet, business broadband packages often offer a whole host of other benefits, optional extras and add-ons to help you get your business up and running online . These are likely to include:

• Priority network access - This means business internet traffic is given priority over residential traffic, meaning your broadband connection won't slow down, even at peak times.
  
• Priority customer support - Broadband providers know how important it is their business customers stay connected, as every second of downtime can cost a company money, so any faults will be fixed as soon as possible.
  
• High or unlimited download allowance - Business broadband providers design their packages to accommodate the intensive internet usage businesses require by offering bigger download allowance.
  
• Fast uploads - Business broadband providers also know that upload speeds are as important as downloads for some businesses, especially those that regularly send large files, so many offer fast upload speeds.
  
• Free security - With a data protection an increasingly important issue for businesses both big and small in the information age, many business broadband packages come with free internet security software to make sure that your business stays protected.

How do I get a static IP address?

If you want to take advantage of the benefits a static IP address could offer your business, you should consider investing in a business broadband package as most of these include a static IP address.

A dedicated business broadband package doesn't have to be expensive; providers know that even small companies on a tight budget need decent broadband, so there is a wide range of good value deals to choose from.

When shopping for a business broadband, think about what your business needs from a broadband package in terms of speed, support and extras, and whether you could save money by bundling your broadband with a business phone calls package.

Compare broadband with broadbandchoices to find the best deal for your business.