What Is Static Internet Protocol (Static IP)?
If you're looking for a home, you don't want to just rent a room—you want to buy a house. If you're looking for an IP address, you don't want to get one assigned by your ISP—you want one that's yours. You'll know your computer's or device's location on the internet with a static IP address. You can also access it from anywhere in the world with a simple URL. It'll always be there when you need it. A static IP address doesn't change over time but is assigned to one computer or device. The alternative to static IP addresses is dynamic IP addresses, which are temporarily assigned. These addresses come in a "dotted quad," or four numbers delineated by periods, commonly recognized by networks and servers. If you're a business or frequent Internet user, you've probably heard the term "static IP" before. But do you know what it means? A static IP is an Internet Protocol (IP) address that remains constant and unchanging. It is different from a dynamic IP, which may change depending on the activity on your network. Dynamic IPs are often assigned to users by ISPs and are intended for people who don't need to use them regularly. A static IP is more suitable if you can access your computer remotely or run specific programs—like VoIP calling. A static IP can also benefit businesses that must make FTP connections or maintain a reliable relationship for other networking needs. If you have more than one computer in your home, giving each of them a static IP address can be helpful. It makes it easier to connect to any device on your network, and it also makes it easier to run servers in your home which you want to access from outside the network. The way you set a static IP address depends on what operating system you're using:
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