Expert: Lorry - 6/24/2008

Question
I have a "dumb" question.  We are getting an installation at our office from a company called Logix.  They compete with CBeyond in taking care of phone and internet services.  Now one of Logix' selling point was that we can have up to 13 static IP addresses.  Can you tell me what the difference is between a static and non-static IP address - and why I would want the static IPs?  Can they be used for computers and printers or is just for the PCs?  
Thank you,
Landon

Answer
Hi Landon,

Believe me, there is no such thing as a "dumb" question. Here are some reasons why your company would want a static IP address:

A static IP address may be required or desirable for certain services or applications you use - these typically include:

   * Running your own mailserver (SMTP inbound).

   * Many VPN (virtual private network) implementations require one or both sides of the VPN to have a static IP address.

   * If you are connecting to your company network and need access through their firewall.

There is more information available at:

http://www.onlinecomputertips.com/networking/static_dynamic.html

https://helpdesk.islandnet.com/help/ddns.php#ddns

http://www.speedguide.net/faq_in_q.php?category=88&qid=137

Hope this helps!
Lorry