What is a Static Residential IP Address?

When you sign up for an internet connection with your ISP, you are assigned an internet protocol (IP) address. This enables you to connect to the internet from your devices, like your computer or smartphone. In other words, when you access a website (for example, www.tuxlervpn.com), you use this assigned IP address as your source. If your IP address stays the same for a particular duration and never changes, you can call it a static IP address.

Although TuxlerVPN does not provide static residential IPs, it may be worthwhile to know what they are. You may not need to understand the technicalities of it, but understanding what it is and how it works can help you make better decisions when it comes to virtual private networks.

Let us take a deeper look into static IPs and their residential versions.

What is a Static IP Address?

A static IP address, also known as a fixed IP address or dedicated IP address, is permanently assigned to a user (or a device). It does not change unless there’s a reconfiguration by the internet service provider (ISP). Such an address is used if a user or a device needs to be identified regularly by another user or device. For example, websites usually have a static IP address so that it’s easier to identify and connect to them via Domain Name Server (DNS) lookup. However, for a general internet user, a static IP may not be as useful. 

Today, ISPs rarely assign static IP addresses to users. This is because static IP connections cost more and therefore are not economical for providers. They instead depend on dynamic IP addresses which are temporary and part of a larger IP pool.

Dynamic IP addresses are used for a specific period and then sent back to the IP pool from which it is assigned to another user. This is much like how residential IPs work.

What is a Static Residential IP?

A static residential IP address is an IP address usually attached to or generated by a residential VPN server. 

Dedicated VPNs also use static IPs to provide uninterrupted tunneling. The most common example of such a system is corporates that want their employees to connect via a dedicated VPN server at all times.

When you sign up for a premium residential VPN, you may be assigned a static residential IP. This will ensure better uptime and connectivity.

Static Vs Dynamic IP Addresses

Understanding static IP addresses becomes easier when you compare them with dynamic IP addresses. The major difference is that a dynamic IP address constantly changes. If you are using a dynamic IP address for some time, it will be reassigned to another user at a different time. This flip-flopping action of an IP address is what makes it dynamic.

Most ISPs provide dynamic IP addresses today. This is both economical and easier for them to operate as opposed to static IP addresses which sometimes need to be connected to a single device. This is why in the late 2000s, you could only connect to the internet via a cable attached to your computer. If you tried connecting the cable to another computer, say your friend’s, there would be a MAC address-IP address mismatch.

In other words, a static IP address stays the same and is usually attached to a single device. On the other hand, a dynamic IP address has the opposite characteristics.

Do You Need a Static Residential IP?

If you are a solo home user connecting to the internet via a single internet Wi-Fi home connection, you don’t need a static IP. Our free TuxlerVPN service will be enough to get dynamic residential IPs to unblock sites and tackle censorship.

However, if you are an individual or an enterprise that wants a dedicated service, you may opt for a static residential IP.

BackNext article