What are the Most Common Benefits of Static IPs to You?

Each internet-enabled device has an Internet Protocol (IP) address that connects it to a network. The IP address of a device is a unique identifier through which devices online communicate with each other. Most people do not have an idea what their IP address is, because devices configure these identifiers behind the scenes.

It is important to understand the purpose of an IP address. Diving into the topic a little deeper can highlight some privacy and security challenges that your business might be exposed to. Some knowledge of IP addresses will also help you to handle some fun activities such as hosting games or media servers or accessing geo-restricted content online. 

How are IP addresses obtained?

Every internet protocol address worldwide is managed and distributed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). IANA distributes IP addresses to the five existing Regional Internet registries (RIRs), who, in turn, share these device identifiers to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other interested parties.

Your ISP of choice will assign your device an IP address, to allow them to communicate with other devices online. The IP address assigned to a device by an ISP is referred to as a residential IP address.

Types of residential IP addresses

Your ISP can either assign you a static or dynamic IP address. The static IP address is reserved for one device and is assigned to it for a lifetime. The device will retain its IP address even when it is switched off from the network. The static IP address can be configured through the gadget's network address settings or by the ISP.

The dynamic address is constantly changing, much unlike the static IP address. The dynamic device address is assigned to internet-enabled devices by the network's Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol(DHCP). Servers and routers run the DHCP protocol assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices that connect to a network.

When should a business opt for a static IP address?

• Businesses that collect or receive large amounts of online data need an FTP server to handle the communications. Such servers need a static IP address to ensure the stability of connections with suppliers or customers.
• If your domain name has features that respond to customer queries, you need to associate it with a static IP address.
• A static IP address is a necessity for chat, email, and database servers. Your networking equipment, proxy server, and virtual private network will also function better with a static residential IP address.
• If your company wants to enhance privacy with static IP addresses, you should consider using a proxy server, virtual private network, or other proxy products. Do not forget that it is essential to choose reliable proxy server providers. 

The benefits of static IP addresses

• Static IP addresses are stable and fit perfectly for authenticated features for file downloads and web servers. An interaction on their connections will not cause a termination of data exchange within these services.
• This residential IP address also works well for a business that deals with gaming software, Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), and those that rely on the proxy server or Virtual Private Networks for data security.
• If your computer acts a server, it needs a static IP address to ensure fast and efficient file uploads and downloads
• Static IP addresses allow convenient remote access connections to your computer network
• Since the IP address does not reset, the static IP address ensures seamless connectivity at all times and reduced downtime.

Cons of static IP addresses

• A constant IP address can become a security challenge. There is a high possibility that a hacker will, with time, become familiar with your business if you keep your unique web address for a long time. The hacker will try to hack it, and since the static IP address is not easily changed, it can become very susceptible to hack attacks. If you have a static IP address for your business, use robust data protection security to avert such disasters.
• The servers that have static IP addresses are generally on at all times to ensure that file transfer protocols work seamlessly. The need for continuous uptime can make the running costs of such services very exorbitant
• Setting up a static IP address is challenging, and some ISP servers may not support this type of IP address.
• Evolving internet technology could make the running of static IP computers as servers obsolete soon. An upgradable static IP server is a better investment for the future.

Advantages of dynamic IP addresses

• Lower security risks since your devices will have new IP addresses over time.
• They are cheaper than static IP addresses.
• The ISP automates the configuration of the network doing all the heavy lifting on your behalf.

Cons of dynamic IP addresses

• The use of DHCP automation can cause some security challenges, such as the interception of information over the connection. The privacy and security of the network is therefore prone to insecurity
• Servers with dynamic IP addresses have higher rates of network errors than static IP address servers
• Businesses that use VPN, VOIP, or those that have gaming protocols should avoid dynamic IP addresses.

Conclusion
The static IP address is perfect for businesses that host servers that have massive amounts of data for online use. The constant IP address makes it much easier for other gadgets to connect to your servers. 

A static IP address will, however, pose a security threat to your business since they are very easy to track. Use a proxy server or virtual private network to enhance privacy with static IP addresses where applicable.