What is a static IP address? How to set one up on Windows

In this digital age, when the Internet is indispensable, IP address is a term you have surely heard. Next, we  MONA Media  will walk you through what a static IP is, how to set up a static IP, and how to switch from a dynamic IP to a static IP in detail. Stay tuned.

What is an IP address?

The term IP is short for the English phrase Internet Protocol. Roughly, it means a protocol for communication across a network.

People in the field shorten it to Internet protocol, and the most common name is simply IP. It is one of the techniques for sending data from a source machine to destination machines using the protocols of the Internet.

IP addresses are controlled and managed by IANA, the organization that allocates Internet numbers worldwide. IANA divides the address space into smaller blocks and hands them out to manage IPs for each country.

IP addresses are currently divided into 5 classes:

• Class A covers addresses with a first number from 1 to 126. When you see an IP address from 1.0.0.1 to 126.0.0.0, it is reserved for special organizations around the world.
• Class B continues from Class A, with first numbers from 128 to 191. These addresses run from 128.1.0.0 to 191.254.0.0 and are used by mid-sized organizations around the world.
• Class C covers addresses from 192 to 223, shown as 192.0.1.0 to 223.255.254.0. This class is typically used at an individual scale, for devices such as computers and phones.
• Class D has special values: its first 4 bits are 1110. It is used by organizations that broadcast information, and the protocol sits in the range from 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255.
• Class E is the last class, with addresses from 240.0.0.0 to 254.255.255.255. The range 240 to 255 is used for research.

What is a static IP?

So what is a static IP (Static IP)? Also known as Static IP, an IP configuration that is set up entirely by hand. The address stays fixed and does not change over time, which is the exact opposite of a dynamic IP.

Static IPs are used in businesses with many devices such as routers, phones and laptops. In the next sections we walk you through the pros and cons of a static IP in detail.

How a static IP works

A static IP address is an address that does not change over time and is configured by hand for a specific network device. This is different from a dynamic IP, which a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server assigns automatically.

When a device has a static IP, it keeps exactly the same address after a restart or when it reconnects to the network. That is very useful in cases like these:

• Hosting services: If you want to run a web server, a mail server or any other online service, a static IP makes it easier and more stable for users to reach you.
• Network configuration: Some networks require devices to have static IPs so they are easier to identify and manage, for example in network switch setup, security configuration and remote access management.
• Special applications: Some applications need a static IP to work correctly, such as VPN (Virtual Private Network) apps, VoIP (Voice over IP) apps or remote monitoring systems.

To get a static IP, contact your Internet service provider (ISP) or the network administrator where you work. They will configure your network device to use a static address instead of a dynamic one. This usually means working directly with the provider to get the right setup.

Note that the provider may charge an extra fee or have special requirements for a static IP address.

Pros and cons of a static IP

Before you use a static IP for your website, it helps to know what it does and what its pros and cons are:

Advantages

A static IP has many advantages and suits individuals and businesses in many different fields and applications:

• Users do not need to be assigned a new IP each time, so a static IP makes connections faster. Pages you have visited before also load quickly.
• Computers, fax machines and phones work well with a static IP. These devices run more stably, and connection drops are less common. Camera monitoring apps and fax machines also get better support with a static IP.
• Some games run better on a static IP. Gamers who are not blocked by a Vietnam IP often use a static IP to play.
• A static IP supports DNS better for servers that are managed with it. DNS.
• Static IPs help your server hosting run steadily, so visitors can reach your website faster and more easily.
• For remote access and remote control programs, a static IP makes connecting more convenient.
• A static IP gives more trustworthy information. If you need to verify identity across borders, choose a static IP.
• For geolocation services in particular, a static IP is rated higher and is more reliable.

Disadvantages

Alongside the benefits, a static IP has a few drawbacks. Consider whether you can accept them before you use one.

• A static IP has to be configured entirely by hand. You must set up the IP and the router correctly so they can talk to that address. You do not have this problem with a dynamic IP, where you just plug in the router and the address connects by itself.
• A static IP is less secure than a dynamic one. Hackers can target it more easily because it never changes.
• Static IP addresses cost more than dynamic ones.
• Some network tools can spot you more easily when you use a static IP.

Some people switch between a static and a dynamic IP depending on when they use the connection. In the next sections we show you how to set a static IP and how to switch from static to dynamic and back.

-> See also: Learn about two popular Internet protocols IPv4 and IPv6

How to set a static IP, step by step

Most computers use a dynamic IP by default. If you need to set a static IP, follow the steps below. The method we share here is for Windows 7 and 8.

• Open Network Connection on your computer, or point at the Network icon and go to Properties.

• Go to Properties and select “This connection uses the following items”.
• Then select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/Ipv4). After that, select Properties.

• Go to Use the following IP address to set a static IP address for the computer. In the first 3 boxes, enter numbers that match your local network. The 4th box is the IP address of the device you are using.

• Go to Use the following DNS server addresses to change the DNS. Click OK and the static IP setup is done.

How to switch from a static IP to a dynamic IP

Some people who have a static IP later need to go back to a dynamic one. Here is how:

1. Click the Network icon on the left of the screen and choose Properties.
2. Once Network is open, choose Change adapter settings.
3. Next, choose Wireless network connection, then choose Properties.
4. Go to Local area connection to change the IP address.
5. Double-click Internet protocol version 4 to switch to a dynamic IP.
6. Then click Obtain an IP address automatically. That turns on the dynamic IP, and the switch from static to dynamic is complete.

A dynamic IP is considered flexible and easy to manage, and it does not limit the number of connected devices. Switching between static and dynamic IP is simple once you are used to these steps.

FAQ

When should you use a static IP?

A static IP is usually used in these cases:

• You need remote access to a device on the network.
• You need to run a service on a fixed IP address.
• You have high security requirements and need tight access control.

How do you get a static IP address?

To get a static IP address, contact your Internet service provider (ISP) or your organization's network administrator and ask for one. The ISP or administrator will assign you a static IP and configure the matching router or network device.

The concept of What a static IP is, how to set one up and how to switch between static and dynamic IP are covered above, and we hope the article has been useful.

If you need more advice on static and dynamic IP, please contact Mona Media. Based on how you use the network and your scale, we will advise the IP setup that fits you best.

Contact:

• Address: 1073/23 Cach Mang Thang Tam, Ward 7, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hotline: 1900 636 648
• Email: info@mona-media.com