An internet protocol (IP) address is something that you likely use every day, probably without knowing about it. IP addresses are unique and used to differentiate connected devices, from the ones in your home to the networking device/s that get you online. Even your internet connection has an IP address to help identify it.
In terms of the IP addresses that help identify your internet connection, you’re either working with a dynamic IP address or a static IP address, each with distinct pros and cons.
What is a static IP address?
Static IP addresses are a lot like your home address while dynamic IP addresses are closer to hotels you visit. One address is more permanent (i.e. static IP), while the other changes more frequently (i.e. dynamic IP). Dynamic IP addresses are the norm, for devices and residential internet, which means they’re more readily available as the default setting.
That said, static IP addresses have specific use-cases that, unlike what the name might suggest, offer greater flexibility compared to regularly changing dynamic IP addresses. Confusingly, there’s also such a thing as a sticky IP address, which is halfway between a dynamic IP address and a static IP address: it rarely changes, but it still can. NBN providers like Tangerine and Aussie Broadband offer sticky IP addresses by default.
The table below breaks down some key pros and cons of static IP addresses and dynamic IP addresses.
Static IP pros | Static IP cons | Dynamic IP pros | Dynamic IP cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Easier for remote access | Security concerns | More readily available | DNS incompatibility |
Straightforward server hosting | May cost extra | Easy configuration | Trickier remote connectivity |
Easier DNS server support |
| Typically cheaper than static | Less reliable connection |
Geolocation accuracy |
| Inbuilt security (via changing IP) | Inaccurate geolocation |
More reliable connection |
|
|
|
Easy to find |
|
|
|
Easier for VoIP |
|
|
|
What is my IP address?
A static IP address doesn’t change, a sticky IP address rarely changes, a dynamic IP address changes most frequently, plus you can also change your IP address by using a virtual private network (VPN). To see your IP address, you can check out our sister website Reviews.org AU. While it’s convenient for an IP address to not change, it also means that other people can also see your IP address if it’s not shielded by a VPN.
When do you need a static IP address?
Kind of like how download is seen to be more important than upload when it comes to NBN connections, most internet connections can get by on a dynamic IP address. This changes when it comes to specific business NBN or gaming broadband needs.
The reason static IP addresses are a common perk for business NBN plans is they allow businesses the option of hosting a website internally or hosting other types of servers. Similarly, any business that wants to have its workers log in remotely, via a VPN or other remote-access software, will also need a static IP address.
Because static IP addresses never change, they’re easier to find and tend to be more reliable than dynamic IP addresses. Static IP addresses are also a great choice for remote monitoring of security cameras. For residential users, NBN providers like Optus let you pay extra for a static IP address. In a residential setting, a static IP address is also useful for monitoring security equipment, running your own server (including game servers), interacting with files stored on network-attached storage (NAS) drives, or readily accessing home-office files when you’re out and about.
For both business and residential users, a static IP address also simplifies voice and video communication, including VoIP and teleconferencing.
How do you get a static IP address?
Getting a static IP address is as simple as signing up for an NBN plan that includes one (like a lot of business NBN plans) or contacting a provider that offers static IP addresses for an additional monthly fee. The following providers all include static IP addresses with their business NBN plans:
- Aussie Broadband
- Exetel
- iiNet
- More
- SpinTel
- Telstra
- TPG
However, it costs extra to get one with Optus. Vodafone doesn’t offer static IP addresses for business or residential users.
Below is a daily updating list of business NBN 50 plans from our comparison engine that include static IP addresses:
|
#1
|
Aussie Broadband
All Fixed Line nbn®
Business Value 50/20
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
|
|
#2
|
Exetel
All Fixed Line nbn®
Home Business nbn50/20
$94/mth
Min. cost $94
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Telstra Business
All Fixed Line nbn®
Business Essential nbn
$125/mth
+ $99 Upfront
Min. cost $224
Link not supplied
|
And here’s a look at the business NBN 100 plans with static IP addresses:
|
#1
|
Aussie Broadband
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Business Fast 100/20
$79/mth
Min. cost $79
|
|
#2
|
Exetel
All Fixed Line nbn®
Start-up nbn100/40
$107/mth
Min. cost $107
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
More
All Fixed Line nbn®
Business Fast NBN
$115/mth
Min. cost $115
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Telstra Business
All Fixed Line nbn®
Business Premium nbn
$125/mth
+ $99 Upfront
Min. cost $224
Link not supplied
|
In terms of residential NBN providers we track in our database, Dodo, Mate and Exetel (available on an automatically accepted application via the My Exetel portal) include static IP addresses with their NBN plans, which is a great option for business users and residential users after the perks of a static IP address.
Meanwhile, the following providers all let you pay a separate monthly fee for a static IP address:
- Aussie Broadband
- SpinTel
- Telstra
- Optus
- Superloop
- Internode
- iPrimus
Tangerine and Aussie Broadband both offer sticky IP addresses by default for residential connections.
Below is a daily updating list of residential NBN 50 plans from our database that come with a static IP address:
|
#1
|
Dodo
All Fixed Line nbn®
Editor's Pick
nbn50 Unlimited Plan
$57.99/mth
Min. cost $57.99
|
|
#2
|
MATE
All Fixed Line nbn®
Ripper nbn 50/20
$70/mth
Min. cost $70
Link not supplied
|
And here’s a look at residential NBN 100 plans:
|
#1
|
Dodo
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
Editor's Pick
nbn100 Unlimited Plan
$62.99/mth
Min. cost $62.99
|
|
#2
|
MATE
FTTN, FTTB, FTTC
No Worries nbn 100/20
$75/mth
Min. cost $75
Link not supplied
|
How to set up a static IP address
Having a static IP address for your internet connection is the first step. Once you’ve waited the requisite time for the static IP address to kick in, you may be required to restart your networking equipment, but your provider should let you know about any additional steps.
There is another kind of static IP that requires manual interaction, though. If you don’t mind digging into the settings of your devices and/or router (or modem router), you may also be able to manually assign IP addresses for specific devices in your home or office. This isn’t essential, but it can help with common printer errors or ensuring that network-attached storage (NAS) media is accessible on your home network or even when you’re not at home.
Nathan Lawrence
Freelance Contributor
Find a better internet plan
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