Benefit of static IP address?

bridiej

My broadband provider is going to start charging for static IP addresses in January so I am just wondering what the benefit of a static address is and whether it's worth paying for?

Thanks

wonderfullife_2

From the web:
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF STATIC IP ADDRESSES?

Because you (and other internet users) will always know your computer's 'location' on the internet, you can enjoy some powerful possibilities:

* Run your own E-mail Server
With a static IP address you can set up a local SMTP and/or POP3 mail server.

* Create a server for web pages or files
Becuase your computer's location on the internet doesn't change, it is simple to access your machine to serve HTML pages or other types of file. This can be done either by typing in your IP address or via a domain name as a Static IP address allows you to use DNS (Domain Name System) to point a domain name (like bbc.co.uk) to your computer.

* Create a PC Game server
Many PC games now have an important online element, some with huge followings for competitive or co-operative gaming. A Static IP address allows you to host a games server from your own computer to set up games to play with friends online. You can also chat to friends during the game using Voice Over IP (VOIP) chat software like TeamSpeak or Ventrilo.

* Secure access to work or other remote networks
Many people running private networks will not allow external computers to access their systems for security reasons, even if they are password protected. However, with a Static IP address you can always identify a specific connection, which means that you can allow remote access only from restricted locations.

* Access your PC from anywhere
You can use your Static IP Address with remote desktop software to log-in and use your machine from anywhere in the world.

* Use with remote equipment & accessories
Many applications are designed to be used with a Static Address so that you access it remotely. One example is home security cameras that let you log in from other computers to view footage.

* Use with software applications
Many programs offer advanced functionality with a dedicated IP address. As well as remote/external access, one example of a useful feature would be to omit your own computer's IP address from traffic statistics about visitors to your website/server.

So, if you don't need or use any of the above, then the answer is probably no.

MadCowMan

There are ways of using all of the above services with a dynamic IP

the only thing I can think of that would make a static IP important is where you are connecting to a service that has an IP based access control list.

Darksun

Most home users don't benefit from a static IP address, it's only really an issue if you're hosting any kind of server (and as has been pointed out, there are options even if you have a dynamic IP - see http://www.no-ip.com for example)

elDeeJay

Also remember that while you may in theory be able to host various servers with a static IP, some (most?) ISP's block certain ports to specifically prevent you doing that so check with your ISP before you bank on being able to do somethng from the list above.

MadCowMan

elDeeJay wrote:

Also remember that while you may in theory be able to host various servers with a static IP, some (most?) ISP's block certain ports to specifically prevent you doing that so check with your ISP before you bank on being able to do somethng from the list above.

Quite Hosting certain services is specifically restricted in certain ISP's AUP. Many will block port 25 ( SMTP ) to try and prevent comprimised PC's being used to send spam mail.

amcluesent

>what the benefit of a static address is <

White-listing for some limited access system. You can get routers now with an in-built dynamic-DNS client so you can always resolve a domain name to the currently allocated IP address.