FIXED IP ADDRESS

The Internet uses a mechanism to locate websites and users called IP (Internet Protocol) addressing.  Basically, this is like the street address for your home.  Each home has a unique address so that people can find you.

IP addressing works essentially the same way.  Websites have an IP address assigned to them permanently so you can locate them repeatedly. Dial-up users generally receive a dynamically assigned IP address from an address pool when they logon to the Internet.  When the dial-up user logs off, the IP address they used is returned to an address pool which can then be assigned to another dial-up user later.  This way we can conserve IP addresses because, theoretically, there are a limited number of addresses that can be assigned.

There are times when you might need a fixed or statically assigned IP address, such as when you host a website.  For example, when someone needs to frequently connect to your computer, there is no practical method to determine your IP address.  If you are in a situation like this, we can assign a fixed or statically assigned address to you.  Every time you log on, you will have the same address.

A practical reason for needing a fixed or statically assigned IP address is if you need to establish a "virtual private network" (VPN) between a home office and a main office.  A VPN is a logical connection between two locations where it appears that you are actually part of the main office network, even if you are operating from home.  You will find more details about VPNs under the business section of this website.