What are the benefits of dedicated IP address?

Dedicated (also called ‘fixed’ or ‘static’) IP as opposed to a shared IP address when getting a broadband connection? There are plenty of advantages and here we outline a few.

Generally, having a shared IP address will not cause you any harm. However, there are a few cases when a static IP is required or simply an advantage.

• Less downtime – Each time your IP address refreshes you run the risk of downtime from the server. While this is usually only for a very short time, it can wreak havoc on your gaming. Having a static address eliminates this risk.
• Having your own Private SSL Certificate – Secure e-commerce websites need SSL certificates for accepting credit cards online. Web hosts usually offer a shared SSL certificate where clients can share the Web host’s SSL.
• Anonymous FTP – It means that anyone using the FTP software can access files in a special directory of your site. It’s called Anonymous FTP because the user name used to access is “anonymous.” Many Web hosting providers require a static IP for the anonymous FTP function to work properly.
• You want to access your website by FTP or Web browser even when the domain name is inaccessible, such as domain name propagation periods.
• Remote access – With a static IP address you can access your PC no matter where you are in the world. Using programs such as Remote Administrator and PC Anywhere you can log into your work or home PC no matter where you are. Although you can set the connection up regardless of what type of IP address you have, you need a fixed address to maintain it otherwise the program will no longer be able to find your computer when your PC refreshes its dynamic address.
• Running an FTP server – File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is an efficient and reliable way to transfer data from one computer to another. Again, specific software must be installed in order for you to set up an FTP site, but this is easy to do and free software is available. You might want to use an FTP site to share files, such as pictures, with your friends, or you might use it to enhance your organisation. Either way, once you’ve set up the site, clients, partners or friends just need to log in to access, edit or upload files.