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Choosing a static IP address

Our Broadband Expert says...

Hello Michelle, thanks for your question about static IP addresses, and why you should opt for one. Read my advice below on choosing a static IP package for your security cameras:

What is the difference between a static and dynamic IP address?

An IP address is used to identify your computer (or other network device), and without one your PC can’t communicate with other devices or access the internet.

Broadband users have the option of either a dynamic IP address, where a new address is assigned at regular intervals, or a static IP address, where your computer retains one set address.

Having a static IP address will allow you to access your company’s network from anywhere in the world.

Be Pro, a package from Be Broadband (www.bethere.co.uk) comes with a static IP address. The 24Mb broadband package is perfect for heavy broadband users that spend a lot of time online - ideal for 24hr security camera surveillance.

The main features included with this package are a superfast internet connection, wireless router, unlimited download limit (fair usage applied), a static IP address and a short term contract.

Unfortunately the package is not available in Michelle’s area of Northern Ireland, but for other customers looking to choose broadband offering a static IP address, Be is an option - you should always do a postcode search before you sign up though, to check you are in the available area.

Read our article for more information on why you should get a static IP address.

What are the benefits of static IP?

• Remote access – A static IP address allows you to access your PC no matter where you are in the world, meaning you can set up a security system at home and monitor the cameras at work. Using programs such as Remote Administrator and PC Anywhere you can log into your PC no matter where you are.

• Running your own website - Installing web server software on your PC allows you to set up your own website. There are plenty of free programmes available on the internet but make sure you do your research and check customer reviews before installing anything.

• Emails direct to your PC - Using a static IP address also lets you get rid of your Hotmail or Yahoo! account and set up your own email address with your choice of domain name. You will need to install separate mail server software to do this, but there are free ones available.

• Running an FTP server - File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is an efficient and reliable way to transfer data from one computer to another. Again, specific software must be installed in order for you to set up an FTP site, but this is easy to do and free software is available. You might want to use an FTP site to share files, such as pictures, with your friends and family, or you might use it to enhance your business. Either way, once you’ve set up the site, clients or friends just need to log in to access, edit or uploads files.

• Running a game server - For online gaming addicts, having a static IP address means that you can take your gaming to the next level. Most PC games have an option for operating your own server, allowing you to select your own settings and regulate who you let into your game.

What are the disadvantages of static IP?

While there are more benefits to having a static IP address than disadvantages, there are a few issues you should consider before signing up to a package:

• Not 100% secure - Having a static IP address, one that’s fixed, means that once hackers have the number of your address they can keep on attacking. Dynamic addresses change all the time making it more difficult to get into your PC. However, using a router and firewall will help to block access to your computer.

• Constant connection - If you’re using your PC as a server to run a website, receive emails, run an FTP site or a gaming server then you need to make sure that it’s on all the time. Any time it isn’t connected to the internet will result in lost access to sites run from your server.

• Single static IP address - If you need to assign a public IP address to devices behind your broadband modem, you will need to purchase a block of IP addresses.

Which packages offer a static IP address?

Thanks for supplying your postcode Michelle. Using our online broadband comparison tool, I’ve carried out a search and found a few suitable packages that offer a static IP option and are good value for money.

All Eclipse (www.Eclipse.net.uk) packages come with one free static IP address, which is perfect to set up with your security camera system.

Eclipse’s “broadband only” packages let you run your broadband through your existing phone line, meaning you don’t have to switch your calls or line rental. The packages offer speeds of up to 8Mbps, and are ideal for spending hours online (24hr security camera surveillance), downloading music in seconds, streaming videos or downloading DVD qualities movies in a matter of hours. Eclipse also offer UK-based technical support.

You are also in the area to receive broadband from Madasafish (www.Madasafish.com). Like Eclipse, Madasafish’s “broadband only” packages include a static IP address, a high end download limit, and they also include a free router. Madasafish also has an excellent customer service reputation.

What do I suggest?

As you are in the postcode area to receive Eclipse, my recommendation would be for one of their packages. The Home Pro 8Mbps broadband package is perfect for spending hours online, which means you can have constant remote access to your security cameras at home.

Priced at just £25.95 for the first three months, and £28.95 a month thereafter, the package comes with a free connection, and a wireless router is supplied free (with just a £4.99 postage and packaging charge). With a 50GB download limit, the package is perfect for intensive users, and for a 24hr security camera system.

Hope this helps you decide on a package Michelle.

NB Best buy tables (orange background) are always current.

Examples in the text of the article (white background) are correct at time of publication.

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