What are the best practices for setting up a static IP address?

A static IP address is a fixed numerical identifier that is assigned to a device on a network, such as a computer, printer, or router. Unlike a dynamic IP address, which is automatically assigned by a server and can change over time, a static IP address remains the same and does not require frequent updates. A static IP address can have several benefits, such as easier remote access, consistent performance, and lower security risks. However, setting up a static IP address also requires some planning and configuration to avoid potential issues. In this article, you will learn what are the best practices for setting up a static IP address.

Key takeaways from this article

Check network settings first:

Identify the available IP range, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers. This ensures your static IP is outside the DHCP range but within the same subnet.### *Document your addresses:Keep track of all assigned static IPs in a spreadsheet or text file. This avoids confusion and conflicts, maintaining network clarity and performance.

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1 Check your network settings

Before you assign a static IP address to a device, you need to check your network settings and find out the range of available IP addresses, the subnet mask, the default gateway, and the DNS servers. You can use the command prompt or the network adapter properties to view these information on your device. Alternatively, you can log in to your router's web interface and look for the DHCP settings. DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, and it is the service that assigns dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network. You want to choose a static IP address that is outside the DHCP range, but within the same subnet as your router and other devices.

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Olabisi Oladipupo

IT Support Engineeer
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A static IP address, or fixed IP address, is an IP address that never changes. Not everyone needs a static IP address, but knowing how they differ from dynamic IP addresses can help you understand whether you should use a static IP address.

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Waqas Ahmed Nawaz

System Administrator || VMware vSphere Admin || Windows Server || Hyper-V || Azure || Microsoft 365 || JIRA Cloud || IT Consultant
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You should use a private IP address range that matches your network's subnet mask and does not conflict with any other devices on your network or your router's DHCP pool.

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2 Assign a static IP address to your device

Once you have the network information, you can assign a static IP address to your device. The process may vary depending on the operating system and the device type, but generally, you need to access the network adapter properties and select the option to use a static IP address. Then, you need to enter the IP address, the subnet mask, the default gateway, and the DNS servers that you obtained from the previous step. You may also need to restart your device or the network adapter for the changes to take effect. You can verify that your device has a static IP address by using the command prompt or the network adapter properties again.

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Dorothy Dede Quao

Passionate Software Engineer & Full Stack Developer | Entrepreneurial Spirit | Lifelong Learner | Innovator & Problem Solver | Tech Enthusiast
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Assigning a static IP address to a device involves manually configuring its network settings with a specific IP address, instead of obtaining one dynamically from a DHCP server. In Windows, you can open the Network and Internet settings by right-clicking on the network icon in the system tray. From there, select "Change adapter options," right-click on your active network adapter, choose "Properties," and locate "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)." Click on "Properties," select "Use the following IP address," and enter the desired static IP, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information. Save the changes by clicking "OK" and close the network settings.

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Waqas Ahmed Nawaz

System Administrator || VMware vSphere Admin || Windows Server || Hyper-V || Azure || Microsoft 365 || JIRA Cloud || IT Consultant
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You can either set the static IP address on the device itself, using the network settings of your operating system, or on the router, using the DHCP reservation feature. The latter option is easier and more convenient, as it allows you to manage all your static IP addresses from one place and avoid installing any additional software on your devices

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3 Test your network connectivity

After you assign a static IP address to your device, you should test your network connectivity and make sure that everything works as expected. You can use the ping command or a web browser to check if you can reach your router, other devices on your network, and external websites. You should also check if your device can receive and send data without any errors or delays. If you encounter any problems, such as no internet access, duplicate IP addresses, or incorrect network configuration, you may need to troubleshoot your network settings or contact your network administrator.

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Waqas Ahmed Nawaz

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After setting the static IP address, you should test if it works properly and if you can connect to the internet and other devices on your network. You can use tools like ping or traceroute to check the connectivity and latency of your static IP address.

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4 Update your firewall and port forwarding rules

Another best practice for setting up a static IP address is to update your firewall and port forwarding rules accordingly. A firewall is a software or hardware device that monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined rules. Port forwarding is a technique that allows you to redirect network traffic from one port to another, usually to enable remote access or improve performance. If you have a firewall or port forwarding rules on your router or your device, you may need to adjust them to match your new static IP address. Otherwise, you may experience issues with network security or functionality.

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Waqas Ahmed Nawaz

System Administrator || VMware vSphere Admin || Windows Server || Hyper-V || Azure || Microsoft 365 || JIRA Cloud || IT Consultant
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A static IP address is an IP address that does not change automatically and is assigned manually to a device on a network. Static IP addresses can be useful for some advanced networking tasks, such as remote access, port forwarding, or DNS hosting.

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5 Document your static IP addresses

Finally, a best practice for setting up a static IP address is to document your static IP addresses and keep track of them. This can help you avoid confusion, conflicts, or errors in the future, especially if you have multiple devices or networks that use static IP addresses. You can use a spreadsheet, a text file, or a network diagram to record your static IP addresses and their corresponding devices, locations, and purposes. You should also update your documentation whenever you add, remove, or change a static IP address. By doing so, you can maintain a clear and consistent overview of your network configuration and performance.

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Waqas Ahmed Nawaz

System Administrator || VMware vSphere Admin || Windows Server || Hyper-V || Azure || Microsoft 365 || JIRA Cloud || IT Consultant
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You should keep a record of your static IP address and its associated device, as well as any other relevant information, such as the MAC address, the hostname, or the purpose of the device. This can help you avoid confusion, duplication, or errors in the future.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Cédric ROCA-VIVES

🌐Référent Technique / Réseau connaissances et compétences chez SCUTUM France
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Il est également possible de conserver le DHCP sur le poste client et de configurer le routeur pour attribuer une IP fixe en fonction de l'adresse MAC de l'équipement. Ce qui évite de devoir configurer chaque poste, et permet, dans le cas d'un PC portable, de conserver la possibilité de se connecter à un autre réseau.

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What are the best practices for setting up a static IP address?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Check your network settings

2 Assign a static IP address to your device

3 Test your network connectivity

4 Update your firewall and port forwarding rules

5 Document your static IP addresses

6 Here’s what else to consider

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What are the best practices for setting up a static IP address?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Check your network settings

2 Assign a static IP address to your device

3 Test your network connectivity

4 Update your firewall and port forwarding rules

5 Document your static IP addresses

6 Here’s what else to consider

Technical Support

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