A dedicated Internet Protocol (IP) is your unique badge while using the internet and can be assigned by the NordLayer Control Panel. Business owners can also use it to run the verification of network users while each user receives their company’s unique IP address for authentication with the likes of SSO and 2FA.
The NordLayer dedicated server option allows you to set up private gateways so your network traffic can be channeled via the same IP address regardless of your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
IP addresses are usually assigned to an internet user’s computer, smart device, domains, or server to help communicate with the webserver. As a result, it generally plays a lead role in granting a unique identity to an internet user when they send data of a website or device’s location.
We have different types of IP addresses that will be briefly explored in the next section.
Types of Internet Protocol (IP) Addresses
We have primary IP addresses that can be categorized into static, dynamic, public, and private.
Static and dynamic are connected if an IP address changes or is permanent. The static IP is also a dedicated IP and usually doesn’t change. But the dedicated IP is usually assigned by the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, which changes. They are also used more often than the dedicated IP and are used within a given period before expiring.
The other two categories: Public and private IP addresses are location-focused. They indicate the location of a device being used to access the Internet. The private IP addresses are used internally, while the public IP is used externally.
Private IP vs. Public IP
Your Internet Service Provider assigns your public IP while your network router assigns private IP.
Public IP addresses exist because different devices join a household network. Many recent homes have a router that their devices — computers, tablets, printers, smartphones, speakers, or even smart TVs connect to at any time.
Since your router links with multiple devices, it needs to be able to differentiate one from another. Hence, it assigns private IP addresses to identify every device connected to the internal network.
As the router assigns specific IP addresses to the devices, the devices also need to access the Internet through the router. In such a case, they have a uniform public IP address.
You can compare an IP address to a Social Security Number (SSN), a unique user and device. With IP addresses, routers can spot which area information is being sent. Furthermore, they ensure that information is received at the designated location for such data. IP addresses are important to allow routers to deliver data to accurate destinations upon request.
How Do I Find My IP Address?
If you use a Windows device, you can locate your IP address by opening [Start > Settings > Network & internet] and then choose the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to. Next, go to Properties, and find your IP address next to “IPv4 address”.
A simpler and straightforward approach is to go to the Google search engine and type in “what is my IP address?” You may also use other internet search engines like Bing.
How Do IP Addresses Work?
Every device has an identity that it uses to communicate with other devices. Here are some interesting things about how devices leverage IP addresses in communicating while connecting to the internet.
Before your device can use the internet, it must first be built into a connection with a network which would very likely be a public Wi-Fi from a public location and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from your home.
Everything you do online goes through the ISP, which is shared with your device using an IP address. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns a temporary IP address. And when you change your location, your device connects via a different connection. And when you turn off the router or modem, your device gets disconnected.
If you move into a new location, your device using the airport, hotel, or coffee shop Wi-Fi, will use a different IP address to access the internet. There are also many other ways devices use IP addresses to communicate.
How Can I Get a Dedicated (Static) IP for My Website?
To have your own dedicated IP address, you’ll need to sign up for the NordLayer dedicated server option, choose a preferred plan, and you’ll be able to set up a dedicated IP. This will also allow you to integrate multi-cloud resources and firewalls simultaneously.
Having a NordLayer Dedicated IP offers you features to set up a virtual location for your company, prevent unwarranted network access, bypass geo-restrictions, and control permissions. In addition, when used with a business VPN, your team is guaranteed smooth data access from their distributed locations and work securely. Go here to read more.
Can I Use Different Dedicated IPs?
Your company doesn’t need multiple dedicated IPs to stay secure. A single dedicated IP offered by NordLayer’s dedicated server option is reliable enough to provide the needed security for your entire workforce. In addition, you can simply assign or transfer user licenses through NordLayer’s centralized Control Panel to multiple users in your team.