The Power of Stability: Why Your Business Needs a Static IP Address

Many of the business customers at WOW! Business want to know more about dynamic vs. static IP. Business internet clients hear that they could use a static IP address and they naturally want to know more.

As a leader in internet for small businesses, we are your go-to resource for information on internet services—including static and dynamic IP addresses. Here we will clarify what a static IP is, how it differs from the standard dynamic IP address and some of the important benefits a static IP address offers business users.

Please feel free to contact us now to discuss your business internet needs and to get information and advice specific to your business. We are standing by to assist you!

What is a Static IP?

An internet protocol (IP) address is a lot like your home or business address. It’s a location that other computers can use to send your computer information. Just like the post office knows how to get you a package using your home or business address, computers can quickly locate your computer using your IP.

Most IPs are what is known as dynamic—meaning that they can and do change from time to time. For example, when you reboot your modem, typically that will mean that your IP address will change. That’s fine for most home users, but it can be a problem if you need other computers to always know where you are—such as if you are offering products or services as a business.

A static IP is, as the name indicates, static—it doesn’t change. You pay a small fee to your internet service provider (ISP) to maintain a permanent IP. Even if you reboot your modem, buy a new computer, experience a business internet outage, or encounter any number of other problems, the IP remains the same. This can be extremely beneficial if you always want to be easy to find for customers.

How Does a Static IP Address Help with Reliability and Security?

A static IP can help a business in a variety of ways. One of the most important is improving reliability both for employees and for customers.

When your IP is static, it makes it easy to access your system remotely. Whether workers are checking on tasks from home or you maintain a fully open work-from-home policy, a static IP makes it simple for you and your employees to access computers and devices at work.

It also makes your business website more reliable for customers. Your site is always at the same IP, so they can quickly find you and engage your business—buying products, purchasing services, asking questions, and so on.

A static IP can also help improve security. It gives you more precise control over the devices and people that can access your system. You can implement strict permissions to wall off sensitive areas of the business.

Is a Static IP Hard to Set Up and Use?

A static IP is harder to set up and use than a dynamic IP. That’s because you don’t have to do anything to set up a dynamic IP—the vast majority of consumer-level networking products are plug-and-play. However, a static IP requires configuration to ensure that all of your devices can access it.

The added security offered by a static IP is only useful if you take the time to set it up correctly. That requires making decisions on who can access what and establishing levels of access and permissions.

If you choose a static IP, the team at WOW! Business will be happy to help you set it up. Once it’s established, you won’t have to do much to maintain it.

What Are the Advantages of a Static IP?

Let’s look at some of the advantages offered by a static IP:

Improved Reliability: As we mentioned above, a static address improves the reliability of your website and network for employees and customers. This is especially important if your customers interact with your website often. The last thing you want is for your e-commerce store to be hard to find or for your customer service options to be unavailable.

Server Hosting Capabilities: If you want to hose a server you need a static IP. The static address makes it much easier to deliver consistent access to the services you offer without the need for constant updates. When critical business functions require consistent access, a static IP is the way to go.

Ease of Remote Access: Remote access systems are amazingly useful, but they need consistency to remain convenient and usable. A static IP is important if you want to maintain remote access and monitoring of your business systems.

Geo-Location Services: If you need others to be able to find your business using mapping apps, a static IP is important. It keeps your computer’s address consistent so mapping systems know where to find you.

Enhanced Security: There are powerful security options available to static IP users that are not so accessible to dynamic IP users. A static IP lets you narrow down permissions and access to various parts of your business. You can choose exactly who can access what, which is great for security.

Network Maintenance: It’s easier to figure out what’s wrong with your business internet when you have a static IP. Technicians can take advantage of the static nature of your network to more quickly identify problems and address those problems.

Learn More About Static IPs for Your Business—Contact WOW! Business Today

Set up a static IP address today with help from WOW! Business and improve the reliability and dependability of your network.