My work is paying for me to to get dsl(yea I know I am the last person still using dial-up). And one of the requirements is to have a static ip address. Does anyone know the benifits and hazards of having a static address?

Originally Posted by xlurker

My work is paying for me to to get dsl(yea I know I am the last person still using dial-up). And one of the requirements is to have a static ip address. Does anyone know the benifits and hazards of having a static address?

Hi xlurkerl, let's first look at the Definition:
Static vs. dynamic IP addresses

If you have a computer that will usually remain in your office, and that you might need to access remotely, then you should probably request a static IP address and hostname. This way, your computer will always be accessible by the same address.

If your computer will be occasionally moved (for example, if you have a laptop computer), and if you don't need to access it remotely by a constant address, then you will probably do better with a dynamic IP address. This is an address automatically allocated by a DHCP server, and that will probably be different any time your computer has not been used here for more than one day. An advantage is that if you use DHCP at other sites (for example, your ISP from home), then you will not have to alter your network setup configurations each time you move your computer.

And as to your question, static and dynamic IP addresses. What are they? What do they do for me? What is the advantage of one over the other?

To better understand this first lets look at what an IP address is. This address, usually in a numerical format of 024.XXX.XXX.XXX is your computers identification number on the World Wide Web. It allows other computers out there to recognize your computer and communicate with it.

For instance: when you play a game online, the games server that sends all its information to your computer needs your IP address, and your computer responds by sending all the required info back to the servers IP address, somewhat like making a phone call. So now that you know what an IP address is, lets find the right type of IP address for you.

Now, the difference between a Static IP and a Dynamic IP is thus: one is permanent, the other can change at any time. A Static IP address is what most servers use since its kind of hard to contact a website if you don’t know its address. Some people who play a lot of games, or use certain types of software request a Static IP address. If you have to ask what type of software needs a static IP, odds are you don’t need one. A Dynamic IP address can change on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis, just depends on the needs of the server, and ISP. This changing won’t cause any problems because your computer updates everything automatically. Now, again, if you are not sure which IP address you need, odds are you should stick with Dynamic.

As the name implies Static IP addresses are the same every time you connect. dynamic IP addresses may change each time you connect to the network (e.g. Internet).

When you do NOT need static IP addresses

If you ONLY do things from the following list you do not need static IP addresses.

1.) If you browse the Internet.
2.) If you send and receive e-mail via an offsite server (the normal method).
3.) If you download or upload files.
4.) If you use Instant message services or chat services.

When you need Static IP Addresses

You need one or more Static IP addresses if any of the following are true:

1.) You run one or more Web server's directly on your site that require external access (from the Internet, or Extranet but not typically an Intranet) .
2.) You run one or more E-mail server's directly on your site that require external access (from the Internet, or Extranet but not typically an Intranet) .
3.) You run one or more FTP server's directly on your site that require external access (from the Internet, or Extranet but not typically an Intranet) .
4.) You run any other service or 'Application' that requires external access (from the Internet or an Extranet). Some Financial Terminal Client applications require that you have a static IP address for licensing purposes.
5.) You allow 'incoming' Video Conferencing you may need to use static IP addresses.

Personally, I prefer static IP address's. It gives me a lot more choices that I can control and I love the Control.

Originally Posted by xlurker

My work is paying for me to to get dsl(yea I know I am the last person still using dial-up). And one of the requirements is to have a static ip address. Does anyone know the benifits and hazards of having a static address?

Pro -

You get too work from Home, a Secure Pipeline to the Office, no more traffic jambs, No more Expensive Executive Lunch's and you can drink all you want at home, BBQ For Lunch, Wear the same cloths all day, save on dry cleaning, anwser you work phone naked and talk to the Boss. No need to worry about secretary's days anymore, you get to spank your wife the minute she gets out of line instead of waiting until you get home. You get to go swimming anytime you want in your own pool.

Cons -

No more need to keep office space for you, no office supply room, buy everything first and the company now determines if they will reimburse you, you get to buy all you own coffee, condiments and water. No more office Lotto and Football pools. The Company save a ton on water & power that you are paying for now. You have to clean your own office & Windows. No more petty cash fun.

[JT]

If your reading this you probably want a dynamic IP address. SirD is definetely the one to listen to on this one. (Can you say "understatement")

[JT]

Oh yeah, for the record, I am not overly impressed with DSL. I would recomend wireless if it is an option. In my area DSL communicates at about 45-50k/sec. While wireless is 400-800k/sec. There is a big difference in performance and reliability. I have a buddy with wireless that does all my major dowloads for me. It helps a lot, but it is expensive. Cable networks are notorious for 'backdoor' file shareing, so avoid that for sure.

SirDrahcir,RayJ,and JackTripper(R.I.P )For your input on the question I brought foward to all to read, but one question i would like to is.

Security and privicy are my big concerns.

Hazards? With the same IP address, if I'm trying to hack your PC and
get tired, I'll try again tomorrow.....as I already know your IP....

This is a quote from RayJ. Is this really a big problem out there? Also I did put this thread in the anonymizers forum so being stealth is what I want to achieve. Thanks again to all you have been very helpful.

Originally Posted by xlurker

SirDrahcir,RayJ,and JackTripper(R.I.P )For your input on the question I brought foward to all to read, but one question i would like to is.

Security and privicy are my big concerns.

Hazards? With the same IP address, if I'm trying to hack your PC and
get tired, I'll try again tomorrow.....as I already know your IP....

This is a quote from RayJ. Is this really a big problem out there? Also I did put this thread in the anonymizers forum so being stealth is what I want to achieve. Thanks again to all you have been very helpful.

Hi xlurker, Security and privicy are my big concerns. But it's also something that just doesn't happen. You have to work on it until you are happen with your result. Then you need to test it from time to time, to make sure it's as secure as you want it.

Yes, if someone has my IP, they can try daily and again, it's up to me to prevent that from happening, it's my job to keep me safe. I want all the tools possible. But I also want to not only prevent anyone from coming in, except me. I want accesss to my data and fiels at all times. At home and out of state. I only need to know two things to get to my data, my IP adress and what applicattion I put in force to wait for me to get my data.

One thing I use, that I feel real good about, I setup an internal network in my home. I have a lap top the connects, a Desk Top power station and a MAC. I have two guest stations also. In my Home Network, I route my IP using 010.XXX.XXX.XXX , because 010. is not routeable over the internet. I have a LinkSys Router to manage the conversion to my static IP. Between my ZoneAlarmPro and LinkSys, they manage all of my port traffic in and out, based on my choices and I test them maybe once a month or so, but it's a choice I make.
There are lots of sites to test from but you have to take the time to go to them and do the exercise.
Here is a brief list of places I go to test and get an education on protecting me:

PC Flank
http://www.pcflank.com/

McAfee Test Center
http://us.mcafee.com/root/speedometer.asp

Symantec Anti-Virus Research Center: SARC
http://www.sarc.com/

DSL Reports
http://www.dslreports.com/

If you have Dynamic DSL, you can still do all the same things to protect yourself. A Good Router will handle the Dynamic leasings and everything for you.
I prefer Static IP as my personal choice that works best for my life. Be careful to to setup to Much protection. You can get so safe that everytime you flip a page at Mili's, you have to log back in to see the next message and I think that is just a bit to tight. I use cookies and I control my cookies. I use cache and I manage my cahce. I make backups and I test them every now and then too.
Getting stealth is a good choice and if that is what you choose, then make it your goal and read, read, read.
Most good security software will give you a trail period to test there stuff to see if it works for you or not. But if you are going to start testing a lot of stuff, you better maintain a restore point of some type. Know how you are going to get back to the way things are before you try to make it better.

Originally Posted by redere

Remember if it is dynamic it may only change every 4 days or when your computer restarts. In my case with cable its dynamic but hasn't changed in 6 months; since, the computer is left on. If I had it off when they did a change (every 4 days or so) then when I turned it on it would change my IP. Otherwise I can reboot all I want and its the same same same.

Hi redere, I just want to add a small comment here. Most ISP use some form a assigning you a Dynamic address, and it's often a form of what is called leasing. They give you and IP that will expire at some point. it's completely the ISP management choice of how often you IP expire's and if you ask them, them will tell you. Most good router/hubs can manage a Dynamic IP for you
When you get a static IP, only you can use that IP, it can't not be assigned to anyone else.
I just wanted to add those thoughts.