Static IP Address

What Is The History Of An IP Address?

To understand what a static IP is, let’s start from the beginning: where did the IP address come from? Everything is simple. When the Internet was just emerging (in the late 60s and early 70s), computers began to exchange data directly. But in order to find exactly where to send information, we needed a system of addresses, like postal addresses. This is how the IP Internet Protocol appeared, which became responsible for “packet delivery”.

At first, everything was simple: each computer had its own number, and it did not change. The networks were small, and the number of devices was ridiculous by modern standards. But with the growth of the Internet, we had to come up with a dynamic scheme: there were too many “people who want to get an address.” Then there were DHCP servers that distributed IP addresses on request. And static IP addresses are an echo of those old days when everything was done manually and forever.

So yes: a static IP is like a house with a nameplate and a permanent address. He doesn’t go anywhere, he doesn’t move, and the postman (in the sense of the server) never has any questions about how to find you.

What is Static IP Address?

A static IP is an IP address that does not change over time. They allocated you, say, 203.0.113.12, and that’s it, it’s yours. Today, tomorrow, a week from now. At least for a year ahead. And every time your device goes online, it does so from this very address.

How does it differ from dynamic? The fact that the last IP may have a new one every time you restart your router, turn off the Internet, or just wait a day. The DHCP server issues a free address from the pool, and it’s not a fact that it will be the same as yesterday.

And the static one? It is fixed in the settings or on the provider’s side. It’s like a registration for a device. He’s always at home. He’s stable.

In simple words: a dynamic IP is an apartment rental for a day, and a static IP is your own real estate with a permanent apartment number. Reliable, predictable, and without surprises.

How Static IP Works — Let’s Sort It Out

So, the mechanics. How is a static IP assigned in general?

1. Through a provider. The most common option. You contact tech support and ask them to “assign me a permanent IP address.” The provider sets this up on their hardware, and from now on, regardless of reboots, your address will be the same.
2. Manual setting. Sometimes (especially in local networks) you can set the IP address directly in the device settings. The address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS are specified. This is convenient for servers, printers, NAS, where it is important that the “address does not jump”.
3. Through the router. Some routers allow you to “reserve” an address for a specific device by MAC address. Technically, it’s a dynamic IP, but it’s always the same.

An advantage? Easy to maintain. If you have a static IP, you always know how to connect to you. There is no need to “search for yourself on the Internet” every time. This is especially important for servers, cameras, VPN access, etc.

Where It Is Used: From Servers To Network Printers

Static IP is not just a convenience. This is a necessity in many scenarios. Where is he particularly needed?

• Web servers and hosting. Imagine that you are running a website. People should be able to connect to it. And if your address changes every day, they won’t be able to. Therefore, servers almost always run on static IP addresses.
• Remote access. If you want to connect to your computer from another city — via RDP, SSH, or VNC — you need a permanent address. Otherwise, how will you find it?
• Video surveillance and smart home. Cameras, sensors, control systems — all of them become useless if you don’t know which IP to send the command to.
• VPN servers. Static IP makes the input stable. Especially if you set up the server yourself at home or in the cloud.
• Corporate networks. In business, it is important to manage access. IP is one of the easiest ways to filter. Fixed address = clear security rules.
• Network printers and NAS. The devices on the local network must be “in place”. If the IP changes, you have to reconfigure everything manually.

And this is just the beginning. Wherever connection reliability and route predictability are important, static IP plays a key role.

Advantages Of Static IP: Stability, Reliability, Control

Now, about the good stuff. Why bother with static at all?

• Permanent access from outside. This is perhaps the main advantage. You always know where to “look for” you. Do you want to connect to the house from the cottage? Not a problem.
• No “surprises” from DHCP. With the dynamics, it happens that addresses overlap, conflict, or are temporarily unavailable. With static, everything is under control.
• Easy to administer. In the IT infrastructure, this is a blessing. The network becomes predictable. You don’t need to update the routing tables or firewall settings every time.
• Security. Yes, it sounds controversial (and we’ll talk about the cons later). But if configured correctly, a static IP allows you to accurately track activity, assign rules, and restrict access.
• Hosting, VoIP, cameras — everything works like clockwork. You don’t need to configure DDNS or use third-party services. Everything works “in a straight line”. Without crutches.

And finally, it’s just convenient. The same IP address for months and years is like a good old fixed point. You know he’s there. That it works. That he’s yours.

What Are The Disadvantages? Not Everything Is So Smooth

Everything would be fine, but… static IP also has its dark corners. It would seem that a fixed address is only a plus, but no. Here’s what you might encounter:

• Price. Many providers charge extra for a dedicated IP. Sometimes it’s a symbolic 50 rubles per month, sometimes it’s a significant surcharge to the tariff. And for business, it’s generally a separate package of services.
• Privacy? Forget it. A static IP can be linked to you directly. This means that websites, analytical services, and advertising platforms can track you more accurately and for longer. It’s like walking around a city with a sign saying “Here I am.”
• A target for intruders. A permanent IP is easy to “remember” and start scanning for vulnerabilities. If the server is not secured, unfortunately, there may be problems.
• Manual setting. Sometimes you have to go into the parameters, register the addresses manually, and monitor for conflicts on the network. And if you set it up wrong, nothing will work.
• Moving is a pain. Change of provider = new IP. All settings, bindings, tunnels must be changed again.

So yes, stability is cool. But with it comes a couple of inconveniences. For a detailed comparison and deeper understanding of IPs you read our “Dynamic VS Static IP: Differences and Purposes” article.

Static IP And Cybersecurity: A Double-Edged Sword

On the one hand, you have control. You know what your server’s address is. You can set up point access, security filters, black and white lists.

On the other hand, you become predictable. This means that it is a convenient target for an attacker.

If you are a hosting provider, an online store, or just keep a server at home, your IP can be tracked. And then the story begins:

• Brute force attacks – when logins and passwords are automatically selected.
• DDoS — when an avalanche of requests is sent to your address to “put down” a resource.
• Port scanning — when hackers are looking for open “doors” in your system.

There are more serious examples: well-known data leaks began with the fact that they found a vulnerable service “hanging” on a static IP without protection.

But! There are also ways to protect yourself:

• configure the firewall;
• disable all unnecessary (services, ports);
• restrict access by geography;
• Use VPN and tunneling.

So yes, it’s a double—edged sword. Confidence and vulnerability go hand in hand.

How To Get A Static IP From A Provider

In words, it’s simple. In fact, it depends on the operator.

Option 1: through your Personal Account. For some providers (for example, Rostelecom or MGTS), you can go to the tariff settings, click “connect dedicated IP” and you’re done. A day or two of waiting, and you have a permanent address.

Option 2: call tech support. Yes, you’ll have to talk to a real person. But you can immediately clarify:

• How much does it cost?
• Is it connected to your tariff?
• Is it possible to reschedule when changing the address?

Option 3: Business connection. For companies, a dedicated IP is bundled with “office Internet” type tariffs. Everything is serious there: white address, SLA, priority in technical support.

But! Not all providers have this service available by default. In some cases, “white” addressing is needed, and sometimes it happens like this: there is an address, but it is dynamic. Therefore, first, specify what exactly you are being given.

Setup On Devices: From Router To Smartphone

Let’s say you already have a static IP. Now the task is to set everything up so that everything works.

On the router:

1. Go to the admin panel (most often at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. In the WAN section, specify the connection type: Static IP.
3. Enter:
   • the IP address itself,
   • the subnet mask,
   • the gateway, • DNS (you can use public ones, for example, from Google).
4. Save and restart the device.

On Windows:

1. Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Management Center.
2. Change the adapter settings.
3. Right click on the desired connection → Properties.
4. IPv4 protocol → Use the following IP.

On macOS:

1. System Settings → Network.
2. Select the desired interface (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
3. Go to the “Advanced” → TCP/IP section.
4. Select “Manually” and enter the data.

On smartphones (Android):

• Wi-Fi settings → Long tap on the network → To change.
• Advanced Settings → Static IP address.

Have you set it up? Done. The device will now always have the same IP address.

Static IP On Your Home Network: Do You Need It?

Not usually. But there are exceptions.

• When it’s worth bothering:
• You work remotely and want to connect to your home PC via RDP.
• You have a server: NAS, Plex, FTP.
• Security cameras require constant access.
• You’re running a smart home, and everything needs to be under control.

When it’s not worth it:

• You just watch Netflix and browse social media.
• You don’t need any incoming connections.
• Privacy is more important than stability.

By the way, if you just need to connect to your home from the outside, but don’t want to pay for an IP address, you can use DDNS. This is a “dynamic translator” that will always point to your current IP address like our whoerip service.

But in any case, if you’re not sure if you need a static IP, you probably don’t. It’s good when you know exactly why you need it. And be prepared for the nuances.

Common Static IP Misconceptions

As soon as someone hears the phrase “static IP”, dozens of myths immediately pop up. It would seem that the topic is technical, but the legends around it seem to be about a secret NASA technology. Let’s go through the most popular misconceptions and put everything in its place.

1. Static IP is forever. No, in fact, the provider can even change the static address. Yes, this is not done for no reason, but if the tariff, equipment, or operator policy has changed, the IP address may also change. Once and for all — only in fairy tales.
2. The Internet works faster with it. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The connection speed depends on many factors, from network usage to hardware quality. The IP address itself is just an address, it does not speed up traffic. It’s like thinking that a beautiful car number increases the maximum speed of a car.
3. No one will find me. Here, the opposite is true. It’s the static IP that makes you more visible. The same address associated with a specific device is a gift for analytics and tracking. And in the case of attacks, there is also vulnerability.
4. It must be configured manually. Not obligatory. Providers often prescribe everything on their side. But if you want to assign an IP inside the local network, yes, you will have to dig a little into the settings.

As a result, these misconceptions only make it difficult to make an informed decision. Static IP is not a panacea, not a threat, and not magic. He just works by his own rules.

What is Static IP Address Conclusion