Broadband experts guide

Dynamic IP vs Static IP

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As the number of broadband users has increased, we have all come to see our internet connections as essential amenities that our businesses, social lives and finances couldn’t survive without.

There are now more than 16 million broadband connections in the UK and if you’re already connected at home, but want to take your broadband further, then a static IP address could be what you need.

Static IP Deals

Supplier	Package details	Speed (up to)	1st year cost	Monthly charge	Download limit	Go
	Be Unlimited 24Mb (3 Months)	24Mb	£264.00	£20.00	unlimited
	Home Pro 24Mb Broadband	24Mb	£300.86	£22.46	50GB
	Max Broadband Premier	8Mb	£335.19	£25.35	50GB

What is an IP address?

In simple terms, an IP address is much like your home address, telephone or credit card number, only it’s used to identify your computer (or other network device). It works like a door to the world wide web, and without one your PC can’t communicate with other devices or access the internet.

Home users have the option of either a dynamic IP address, where new sets of numbers are assigned at regular intervals, or a static IP address, where your computer retains its one set address.

What type do I have?

Most home broadband packages use dynamic IP addresses, but getting a package that offers a static, or fixed IP address as they’re also known, reveals a host of new benefits that really show you what your PC and the internet are capable of.

The easiest way to find out whether you have a static or dynamic IP address is to do a search for your package using our broadband comparison calculator. Click on the package name to bring up details of the package including the type of IP address that’s assigned.

Why should I get a static IP address?

There are many benefits to be gained from using a fixed IP address. These include:

• Remote access - With a static IP address you can access your PC no matter where you are in the world. Using programs such as Remote Administrator and PC Anywhere you can log into your work or home 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 and can save you money if you need one for your business, or just want one for personal use. There are plenty of free programs 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. Again, this is especially useful if you run a small business. You 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 all those 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 - so you and your friends could have a private game of Battlefield.
• Less downtime - Each time a dynamic IP address refreshes you run the risk of downtime from the server. While this is usually only for a very short time, it can wreak havoc on your gaming. Having a static address eliminates this risk.

Are there any disadvantages?

While the benefits do outweigh the problems of having a static IP address, a few issues should be noted:

• Hacker risk - Having a constant IP address means that once hackers have your number 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.
• Keeping your connection running - 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.
• FTP security - If your clients are downloading sensitive or confidential files from your FTP site, you need to consider the security issues posed as files and passwords are in clear text and easier hack.

What will it cost me?

Many ISPs offer static IP addresses as part of a package, or for an extra monthly fee. This doesn’t need to be expensive; Eclipse Lite costs just £7.95 a month for the first three months, £10.95 thereafter for an up to 24Mb package with multiple static IP addresses. Use our broadband comparison calculator to find other packages offering fixed IP addresses.

Are there alternatives?

Yes. If you don’t want to change your package but want the benefits of having a fixed IP address you could try the software offered by No-IP.com It allows you to name your PC so you don’t need to know your IP address, and each time your dynamic address refreshes and changes, the software will update all your connections so that everything stays live.

This means that you get all the benefits, without having to get a fixed IP address, and there’s even a free version of the software.

So why not try it out and take your broadband further.

If you’re still confused, contact us at advice@broadbandchoices.co.uk and see if we can help.

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