Understanding IP Addresses
Basics of IP addresses
An IP address is the unique address of a device connected to the Internet. IP means ‘Internet Protocol,’ which sets the standards and rules (i.e., protocol) for routing data and connecting to the Internet. It is a combination of 4 numbers from 0 to 255, separated by dots, it allows transmitting and receiving information between network nodes. By analogy with the postal address, the combination of numbers in the IP address carries information about the location of the device. In theory, it can range from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.
Without it, the existence of the Internet or any internal IP network is impossible. An IP address can be compared with a phone number – just like a person calls an interlocutor by number, a computer accesses another device by IP address.
Difference between dynamic and static IP addresses
A static address is unique on the network and is issued to only one node. When disconnecting and reconnecting to the Internet, the user’s IP address remains unchanged. Having such an address, you can make your computer a server, to which it will be easy to connect from the outside.
The dynamic IP addresses constantly move from one to another, changing when reconnecting. Thus, a static address differs from a dynamic one only in that the latter can change every time you access the Internet, while a static address will be assigned to the user and will not change when you access the Internet.
Pros and cons
The need for a permanent IP issued by an Internet provider is often associated, for example, with the frequent use of some network service on it – as an option, a gaming one. Also, a static IP can be useful to improve the security of connections to banking services. In this case, access to the services from any third-party PC is practically excluded – since their IP is almost guaranteed to be different. The fact that third parties have the correct login, password, and even the electronic signature of the bank account owner will not play any role. However, at the same time, IP address that never changes gives hackers more time to find vulnerabilities on the network.
Dynamic addresses make it difficult to track your computer and other devices connected to the network. Also, a dynamic IP is convenient in cases where you work with free file hosting services (often restrictions are imposed there – for example, you can download no more than 1 file in 3-6 hours from one IP. After downloading the first document, you just need to restart the router, and you can immediately start downloading the second one). However, a dynamic IP address means a reduced speed of data exchange (both upload and download). Dynamic IP addresses are less secure and tend to result in the service being disabled. Sometimes it becomes necessary to access home or any other computer remotely – for this, special software is used: for example, TeamViewer. But in case of a dynamic IP address, even an elementary disconnection will make it impossible to get remote access.
Benefits of a static IP address
More reliable and consistent connection
Using a static IP address makes Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other digital voice services more reliable. In addition, a static IP address best supports name resolution (which corresponds an IP address with a computer) over wide area networks (WANs), allowing devices to communicate reliably, no matter how far apart they are. Static IP addresses are excellent for upload and download speeds.
Ability to host services such as a website or email server
Also, a static IP is necessary if you want to keep a game server on your own computer or host your site. In this case, of course, the IP must be static, otherwise users will constantly lose access to your resource.
Enhanced security features
A static IP address is a useful solution for remote access systems and also helps to improve security. A static address allows to unambiguously bind a user to networks. This, in turn, allows organizing a virtual secure channel, build a local network and solving many other problems related to information technology.
How to get a static IP address
Contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Allocation of a static IP address is a task of the provider, moreover, it is non-standard and creates an additional load on its capacity (due to the limited number of free IP addresses), therefore, in most cases, this service is paid.
Upgrading your current internet plan
The subscription fee for the “Static IP-address” service is charged daily in equal parts according to the current tariff plan, so you may need to change your internet plan.
As a rule, to obtain a static IP address, you can enter the Personal account on the website of your provider and select the “Services” tab and activate the service. You can also call the call center or contact the Customer Service Center. Starting from the date the subscriber changes the tariff plan, the subscription fee for the “Static IP-address” service will be charged in accordance with the terms of the new tariff plan.
Choosingabusinessplan
For businesses and servers, dtatic IPs are typically used, so it may be worth choosing a business plan. In such plans, a static IP address is initially included in the price of the tariff. This is especially convenient for information exchange (creating virtual networks, when several computers over the Internet need to be combined into one network to work with a program or database that requires participants to have real IP addresses).
Setting up a static IP address manually
On Windows, you can set a static IP address in four ways:
- Through the command line,
- Through network connections,
- Using Windows PowerShell,
- In network settings.
To set up the static IP address manually, perform the following steps:
In the Windows search bar, type in “ncpa.cpl” and then press enter.
If you are not using Windows 10, follow the steps below instead.
- On your keyboard, press the “Windows” and “R” keys at the same time.
- Enter “ncpa.cpl” in the window that pops up.
- Right click on the network adapter that is currently connected to the device that you are trying to configure. Usually, it will be the adapter with the word “Ethernet” in the name.
- Select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.
- Double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”.
- Manually enter IP address and subnet mask
- Save Settings
