What Is a Static IP Address, and Why Would a Business Need One?

Simply put, a static IP address is an internet address that is intended to remain the same. Much like a permanent mailing address, it gives authorized devices and services a consistent destination to use when connecting to a business network.

A public static IP address is typically assigned by an internet service provider to a business’s router, firewall or other internet-facing equipment. It can be useful for companies that operate servers, use certain remote-access systems, maintain site-to-site virtual private networks or need outside vendors to recognize their connections.

A static IP address does not automatically make an internet connection faster, more reliable or more secure. Its primary benefit is consistency: Other systems know what address to use until the service or network configuration changes.

Dynamic vs. Static IP Addresses

A dynamic public IP address is assigned automatically by an internet service provider, usually through a process known as DHCP. The address may remain the same for days, months or even longer, but it is not guaranteed to stay the same. It may change after equipment is restarted, a lease is renewed or the provider modifies its network.

A static IP address — sometimes called a fixed IP address — is reserved for the customer and remains consistent unless the provider or business changes the service configuration. This makes it easier to maintain systems that must be reached from outside the company’s network.

Businesses should also understand the difference between public and private IP addresses:

• A public IP address identifies a business’s connection on the internet and is assigned by the internet service provider.
• A private IP address identifies a device inside the business’s local network and can usually be managed by the company’s router, firewall or IT team.

A business does not necessarily need a public static IP simply to give a printer, server or other internal device a fixed local address. Public static addressing is most useful when an authorized system outside the network must consistently reach the business.

What Is a Static IP Address Used For?

A static public IP address provides a consistent endpoint for internet-based services. Instead of checking whether an address has changed and updating outside systems, a company can configure its domain records, remote-access tools and security rules to reference one stable address.

Common uses include:

• Hosting websites, applications or other internet-accessible services
• Operating email, SFTP or other business servers
• Establishing site-to-site VPN connections between locations
• Providing secure remote access to approved users
• Allowing cloud services or vendors to recognize approved traffic
• Supporting remote monitoring or other systems that require a fixed endpoint

A static IP address alone does not make these services secure. Businesses still need properly configured firewalls, strong authentication, encryption, software updates and other cybersecurity protections.

Why Should a Business Get a Static IP Address?

For many businesses, a dynamic IP address works perfectly well. Companies that rely primarily on cloud applications, hosted email and standard web browsing may never need a static address. Other organizations may benefit from one for several reasons:

• Remote-access consistency: Some VPNs and remote-access systems need a predictable public address for the company network. A static IP prevents administrators from having to update connection settings whenever a dynamic address changes.
• Site-to-site VPN connections: Businesses connecting a main office with branches or other facilities may use static IP addresses as dependable endpoints for encrypted VPN tunnels.
• Server and service hosting: A static IP makes it easier to host an authorized web application, email server, SFTP server or other internet-facing service. Before hosting anything on-site, a business should confirm that the service is permitted by its internet plan and that the network is properly secured.
• Simplified DNS management: Domain Name System records translate familiar names into IP addresses. When a service uses a static IP, its DNS records can continue pointing to the same address instead of needing updates whenever the public IP changes.
• IP allowlisting: Some cloud platforms, financial systems, vendor portals and cybersecurity tools restrict access to approved public IP addresses. A static IP gives these systems a consistent address to allow. However, allowlisting should be used with authentication and other security controls rather than treated as a complete security solution.

Some specialized VoIP, SIP or videoconferencing systems may also require a static IP for authentication, firewall rules or network configuration. A static address by itself, however, does not improve call or video quality. Those services depend more directly on bandwidth, latency, jitter, network congestion and equipment performance.

Static IP addresses also should not be relied upon for precise physical location. IP-based geolocation is approximate and may identify the provider’s service area or a nearby city rather than the business’s exact address.

When Should You Use a Static IP?

A business should consider a static public IP address when an authorized outside device or service must regularly find its network at the same internet address. It may also be appropriate when third-party security policies require a fixed address for access controls.

Before ordering one, the business’s IT team or technology provider should determine:

• Whether the application truly requires a public static IP
• How many usable addresses are needed
• Whether inbound ports or other network changes are required
• How the firewall and authentication systems will be secured
• Whether a managed or cloud-hosted alternative would be safer or easier to maintain

A dynamic DNS service can provide an alternative for some small or noncritical applications by automatically updating a domain name when a dynamic address changes. For business-critical systems, however, a provider-assigned static IP is generally more predictable.

Whether a company has an in-house technology team or works with an IT service to manage its systems, proper planning is essential. A static IP provides a consistent address, but the surrounding network must still be configured, monitored and protected correctly.

Ready to determine whether a static IP address is right for your business? Visit FTC’s Web and Data Services page to review its fixed public address options. FTC currently lists single-address and multi-address configurations, including 2-node, 6-node and 14-node options. Contact FTC at 888-218-5050 to confirm availability, current pricing and the configuration that fits your network.

For local technology assistance with static IP setup, network installation, managed services, cybersecurity, backup and disaster recovery, hosted platforms and more, visit FTC IT Solutions or call 800-671-0670.