Static vs. Dynamic IP addresses...

This FAQ discusses when you need may Static (or fixed) IP addresses (and how many) and when you can use dynamic IP addresses. IP addresses are in increasingly short supply and like many organizations ZyTrax charges for the use of Static IP addresses. The ZyTrax dynamic IP service 'leases' IP addresses for 24 hours - so you need not worry that 'every time' you connect you will have a different IP address. 

Definitions

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. 

How many IP Addresses do you need

The following 'rules of thumb' apply to calculate the number of required IP addresses.

1. If you run one of any type of server (FTP, Web, E-mail etc.) on site then you only require a single Static IP address. This is because the WarpTwo router allows 'port mapping' for just this situation.
2. If you run one copy of any application which uses Fixed Port Numbers you only need a single Static IP address.
3. In all other cases you need as many Static IP addresses as there are Applications or Servers that use the same Port Number.

If you have any doubts discuss then with one of our technical specialists.