What is a dedicated IP address and why do you need one?

Whether you’re new to the hosting world or a seasoned pro looking to up your game, you might be wondering, “What is a dedicated IP address?” or “Do I really need a dedicated IP?” 

Both are valid questions — especially now. Before you decide whether to get a dedicated IP address or not, read on to learn the basics and benefits.

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What is an IP address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address uniquely identifies a computer or server on the internet. It is a dotted-quad number, such as 128.175.13.92. No other computer or server on the same network or internet can simultaneously have the same IP address. 

When we use domain names to access a website or online service, we use a human-readable shortcut corresponding to the server’s IP address. DNS servers automatically translate domain names into IP addresses each time we use a domain name.

IP addresses and the Domain Name System (DNS)

IP addresses aren’t random. They are produced and assigned by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), part of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is a non-profit organization that maintains internet security. 

One of its functions is to maintain the Domain Name System (DNS). You can think of the DNS as a phonebook that matches domain names to IP addresses. 

The DNS was created because IP addresses are composed of a string of numbers, making it difficult for users to remember which numbers belong to which website. Without the DNS, you would have to type in “64.233.187.99” to reach Google and other websites using their IP addresses.

How IP addresses work

Your network, devices, and the internet use IP addresses to communicate with each other. Let’s look at how IP addresses work when connecting your device to the internet. Before your device can access the internet, it must connect to a network. 

That network would likely be your Internet Service Provider (ISP) if you’re at home, or public Wi-Fi if you’re outside your home network.

Internet activity goes through the ISP, which assigns an IP address to your device. This assigned IP address, however, is temporary. 

When you turn your modem or router off, your device gets disconnected from the network. Or, when you travel, your device uses another network to connect to the internet. That new network you connect to (hotel, coffee shop, or airport Wi-Fi) shares a different IP address.

This is one of many examples of how devices use IP addresses to communicate with each other.

Different types of IP addresses

There are different types of IP addresses, further subdivided into various categories. Consumer IP addresses and website IP addresses are the main types.

Consumer IP address

Consumer IP addresses are assigned to devices connected to the internet. There are two kinds of consumer IP addresses: private and public IP addresses. These types describe a network’s location: private IP addresses are used inside a network, while public IP addresses are used outside.

Private IP vs. public IP

Your network router assigns private IP addresses to your devices for internal communication. In contrast, your ISP assigns public IP addresses. The public IP is the primary address associated with your internet network. Private IP addresses exist because multiple devices connect to a household’s network.

Modern homes have computers, smartphones, tablets, and even Bluetooth-enabled devices such as speakers, printers, or smart TVs connecting to a router at any given time. Because your router connects to so many devices, it generates private IP addresses to differentiate each device on the internal network.

While each device connected to the network has its own private IP address to communicate with the router, all devices simultaneously access the internet through the router using the same public IP address.

Public IP addresses are further classified into two kinds – static and dynamic. These types describe a network’s permanency.

Dynamic IP vs. static IP

A dynamic IP address often changes, while a static IP address does not change. ISPs and web hosting companies automatically assign dynamic IP addresses, while they manually create static IP addresses.

Dynamic IP addresses are the most common type of IP address. They are only active for a certain period, after which they expire. Once the computer disconnects from the network, it receives a new IP address or requests a new one.

Advantages of dynamic IP addresses include cost savings and enhanced security. ISPs buy multiple IP addresses and assign them to users. 

Automating the movement of IP addresses means there’s no need to assign users their original IP addresses. Once a user is disconnected, ISPs can reassign a new IP address and provide the old one to new users.

Additionally, a changing IP makes it harder for criminals to hack into your network. Individuals and businesses seldom use static IP addresses. Servers hosting large websites or providing email and FTP services use static IP addresses so other devices can easily find them on the web.

Website IP address

The website IP address is another type of IP address besides the consumer IP. If consumer IPs are assigned to devices connected to the internet, website IPs are used for web hosting packages.

There are two types of website IPs: shared and dedicated. We’ll be focusing on these two types, specifically dedicated IP addresses.

Dedicated IP address vs. shared IP address

You can get both dedicated and shared IP addresses from hosting providers. The main difference is the number of users assigned to each.

Dedicated IPs are exclusive to a single account, while shared IPs are assigned to multiple users. Shared IP addresses are common in shared hosting accounts. 

This type of web hosting plan hosts multiple websites on the same server, allowing these domains to share an IP address. However, while shared IP addresses are common in shared hosting plans, it is also possible to have a shared IP address without a shared server.

For instance, some WordPress hosting plans share IP addresses but not server resources. Shared IP addresses are often dynamic, while dedicated IP addresses are static. 

You have sole use over them once they’re assigned to you.

Important: Don’t confuse a dedicated IP address with a dedicated server; you can get a dedicated IP address without signing up for a dedicated hosting plan.

Benefits of a dedicated IP address

Having a dedicated IP address presents a number of advantages. Let’s take a look at those benefits.

Secure remote access

A dedicated IP address allows employees to connect to company resources securely.

It enables you to control access to specific resources and sensitive company assets by allowing specific IP addresses and restricting access to chosen servers and gateways.

Reduced risk of IP blacklisting

Another benefit of a dedicated IP address is enhanced safety and location privacy. While sharing an IP address is generally safe, it risks country-specific blocking of your website if other websites on your server perform illegal activities such as sending spam emails, viruses, or malware. 

This could lead to your website being blocked by search engines.

When you use a dedicated IP address, there is a much lower chance of your IP getting blocked unless you engage in malicious activities intentionally.

Faster and safer file transfer

A dedicated IP can help enable faster site speeds since you’re the only one using the IP address.

It also allows you to build a file transfer protocol (FTP) server to share files within an organization. A private FTP server offers better protection and a faster file transfer rate.

Improved email deliverability

You will benefit from a dedicated IP address if you send large volumes of emails; anything above 100,000+ per year is considered a large volume.

The main reason is that an IP’s reputation can impact your email delivery rate. Email services such as Gmail and Yahoo tend to trust emails more from dedicated IPs than those from shared IP addresses. 

They often double-check emails from shared IP addresses because spam emails are more likely to come from accounts hosted on those IPs.

By using a dedicated IP, you reduce the risk of being associated with spam activities from other users sharing the same IP, thereby improving your email reputation and delivery rates. 

This is especially beneficial for email marketing campaigns, high volume senders, and allows for better segmentation of email streams.

Additionally, having a dedicated IP facilitates easier troubleshooting and reputation management, provides proper SPF and DKIM alignment, and enhances the legitimacy of your email communications.

Direct access to your website

Dedicated IP addresses allow you to access your website directly using the IP address since it’s the only domain mapped to that IP.

For example, typing in “64.233.187.99” would lead you directly to Google because that is its dedicated IP address. While it’s not the main advantage of having a dedicated IP, it is a handy perk when domain servers are down.

Transition process

When switching to a dedicated IP address, you may experience temporary downtime between 6-24 hours due to DNS propagation.

This downtime occurs as the DNS updates worldwide to recognize the new IP address. During this period, your Temporary URL will also be changed and unavailable. However, once the dedicated IP is installed on your account, you can view your site using the new dedicated IP within 4-24 hours.

Final thoughts

Beef up your cybersecurity efforts with a dedicated IP address. It securely connects you to your remote server and improves site speed. That’s a win-win.

Need a dedicated IP address for remote work? Enjoy the benefits of a dedicated IP by purchasing a   GoDaddy dedicated IP as an add-on.