Broadband Guide

Business broadband - Get a static IP address

By Garnet Roach - garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

Friday, 29 October 2010

Want to connect to your work PC from home or securely send large files to clients? A business broadband package with a static IP address will let you make the most of the internet.

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 applications.

What is an IP address?

An IP address is a set of numbers that essentially identifies your computer and allows it to connect to the internet. Most consumer broadband packages come with a dynamic address that regularly refreshes - but business broadband providers understand the benefits of a static IP address

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Connect from home

Using a static IP address means that your computer will keep the same “address” each time it connects to the internet - so it will essentially stay in the same place. This means that you'll be able to log in remotely from another computer - allowing you or your colleagues to work from home, accessing all the files and drives they need.

Connect with clients

A file transfer protocol (FTP) server allows you to securely send large files to clients and colleagues. There are a number of FTP services on the internet, but having a static IP address means that you can set-up your own network - making sure that confidential files stay safe.

Run your own website

Hosting your own website will do wonders for your business, allowing customers and clients to access your services and get in touch much easier.

You'll be able to create a domain name and even use dedicated .co.uk email addresses - which many business broadband providers include as part of your package, along with a static IP address.

Business broadband packages

As well as a static IP address, the right business broadband package offers a host of other benefits to enhance your business. These include:

• Priority network access. Important internet traffic will always travel fast along your network - even at peak times
• Priority customer support. Business broadband providers know how important it is that you stay connected, so any faults will be fixed as soon as possible
• High download allowance. Business providers understand the needs of their customers and will accommodate bigger downloads
• Fast uploads. They also know that upload speeds are often as important as downloads, offering fast, reliable uploads
• Free security. To make sure that your business stays protected, many business broadband packages come with free internet security.

How do I get a static IP address?

If you want to take advantage of the benefits of a static IP address, you should consider investing in a business broadband package. This doesn’t have to be expensive; providers know that even small companies on a tight budget need fast, reliable broadband and there are loads of great value deals to choose from.

Think about the features you need from your broadband package and whether you could save by bundling your broadband with a business phone calls package - and then compare business broadband packages to find the best deal.