How to Get a Static IP Address: Step-by-Step Guide for Home & Business

If you want CCTV remote access, gaming server hosting, business network security, remote working, VPN access, or website hosting, there’s one requirement: your network must be reachable 24/7 from anywhere in the world.

A Static IP address enables exactly that.

This guide explains what a static IP is, how to get one, setup steps for Windows/Mac/Router, costs, & security tips with practical steps for both home and business users.

Static IP vs Dynamic IP

What is a Static IP Address?

A static IP address is a permanent IP address assigned to your device or network that never changes.

Unlike dynamic IPs that refresh periodically, a static IP remains constant whether your device is online for hours or months. This consistency makes it ideal for specific applications where you need reliable, permanent connectivity.

When You Need a Static IP

CCTV Systems: Access cameras remotely without reconnection issues

Gaming Servers: Host servers with a permanent IP for player access

Business Applications: Run servers and VPNs with consistent firewall rules

Home Network Devices: Keep printers, smart hubs, and NAS at fixed addresses

Web Hosting: Run websites on your own server with stable connectivity

How to Get a Static IP Address? Step-by-Step Guide

You have three primary ways to get a static IP address. Choose based on your specific needs:

Method 1: Request a Static IP from Your ISP (Public Static IP)

• Best for: CCTV remote access, gaming servers, web hosting, business applications
• Cost: $4-15/month
• Setup Time: 1-2 business days
• Difficulty Level: Easy (just make a phone call)

Step 1: Contact Your ISP Customer Support

Call or chat with your ISP and request a static IP address. Have your account number ready. Most major ISPs offer static IP services.

Step 2: Confirm Pricing & Availability

Confirm the monthly cost and ask if additional setup fees apply. Most ISPs activate static IPs within 1-2 business days.

Step 3: Note Your New Static IP

Once activated, the ISP will provide you with your new static public IP address. Write this down or save it in a notes app.

Step 4: Update Router Settings (Optional)

If your router has advanced settings, you may need to configure DHCP settings, but most ISPs handle this automatically. Your ISP can guide you if needed.

Step 5: Test Your Connection

Test Your Connection. Restart your modem and router. Visit a website like whatismyipaddress.com to verify your new static IP is active.

Note: In some cases, it may take 24-48 hours for your static IP to be fully active across your ISP’s network.

Method 2: DHCP Reservation on Router (Local Static IP)

• Best for: Home networks, local device management
• Cost: Free
• Setup Time: 5-10 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy-Medium

This assigns a permanent local IP to specific devices on your network at no cost.

Step 1: Access Router Admin Panel

• Open a web browser
• Enter: 192.168.1.1 (or 192.168.0.1)
• Log in with credentials (usually admin/admin)

Step 2: Find Device to Reserve

• Look for “Connected Devices” or “DHCP Clients”
• Locate the device you want a static IP for
• Note its MAC address (looks like: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E)

Step 3: Create a DHCP Reservation

• Go to “DHCP Reservation” or “Reserved IPs”
• Click “Add” or “Create”
• Select the device from the list
• Choose an IP address (for example, 192.168.1.100–200)

Important: Ensure the IP is in the same subnet as your router (e.g., 192.168.1.x) and not inside the router’s automatic DHCP range to avoid IP conflicts. Save/Apply

Step 4: Test

• Disconnect the device from the network
• Reconnect after 10 seconds
• The device should get the same IP address

Router-Specific Quick Guide:

Method 3: Manual Configuration on Device (Device-Level Static IP)

• Best for: Individual devices, troubleshooting specific systems
• Cost: Free
• Setup Time: 10-15 minutes per device
• Difficulty Level: Medium

Windows 11/10:

1. Press Windows Key + I → Network & internet

2. Click WiFi or Ethernet

3. Click Manage known networks → Your network → Properties

4. Scroll to IP assignment → Click Edit

5. Change Automatic (DHCP) to Manual

6. Toggle IPv4 to ON

7. Enter:

• IP Address: 192.168.1.100
• Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
• Gateway: 192.168.1.1
• DNS: 8.8.8.8 (or 1.1.1.1)

8. Click Save

9. Test: Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to verify

Mac:

1. Click Apple menu → System Settings → Network

2. Select your connection → Details

3. Click TCP/IP tab

4. Change “Configure IPv4” to Manual

5. Enter:

• IPv4 Address: 192.168.1.105
• Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
• Router: 192.168.1.1
• DNS Servers: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4

6. Click OK → Apply

7. Test: Open Terminal and type ifconfig to verify

Linux (Ubuntu):

How Static IP Works?

A static IP works through two mechanisms:

1. ISP Level: Your ISP assigns a permanent public IP to your modem (e.g., 203.45.123.45) and maintains a reservation. Even after your modem restarts, the ISP’s DHCP server recognizes your connection and reassigns the same public IP.

2. Router Level: Your router maintains a “reservation table” linking your device’s unique MAC address to a specific local IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100). When that MAC address connects, the router instantly recognizes it and assigns the pre-programmed IP.

For Remote Access: External devices request your public static IP and port number (203.45.123.45:8000). Your router’s port forwarding rule redirects this to your local device (192.168.1.100:8000), enabling reliable remote access.

This dual-layer system is why static IP remains constant even after router restarts, device disconnections, or cable changes. Each layer independently maintains the IP reservation.

Why does a Static IP stay constant?

How to Set up a Static IP Address?

1. Get a Public Static IP from Your ISP

Steps:

• Call ISP customer support
• Request Public Static IP
• Provide reason (CCTV, servers, business connection, etc.)
• ISP enables it remotely & shares IP details

You will receive:

• Static IP address
• Subnet mask
• Default gateway
• DNS (optional)

2. Assign a Static IP on Your Router

(Private static IP for LAN devices)

Steps:

• Log in to the router admin panel
  (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)
• Go to LAN / DHCP / Address Reservation
• Select a device (MAC Address)
• Assign IP (Example: 192.168.1.50)
• Save & reboot router

3. Configure Static IP on Windows

• Open Settings → Network & Internet
• Select Ethernet / Wi-Fi → Properties
• Click Edit IP Assignment → Manual
• Turn ON IPv4 → Enter:

1. IP address
2. Subnet mask
3. Gateway
4. DNS

5. Save

4. Configure Static IP on Mac (macOS)

• Go to System Settings → Network
• Select Wi-Fi / Ethernet → Details
• Click TCP/IP
• Choose Configure IPv4 → Manually
• Enter the IP, subnet mask & router address

5. Static IP for CCTV / NVR / DVR

• Assign a private static IP to CCTV via the router
• Enable port forwarding
• Access remotely using:

http://static-ip:portnumber

Benefits of Using a Static IP

Cost of Getting a Static IP Address

Business static IP packages cost more if multiple IPs are required.

Do You Really Need a Static IP?

Get a Static IP If You:

• Run a gaming, web, or mail server
• Need CCTV remote access
• Have remote business applications
• Host VPN or SSH server
• Need consistent firewall rules

Skip Static IP If You:

• Just browse the internet
• Use a basic home network
• Don’t run any servers
• Use only cloud services
• Prefer the simplest setup

Static IP Address Security Tips

Since a static IP is always reachable, secure it properly:

• Enable a strong router password
• Use firewall + VPN
• Change default ports
• Enable DDoS protection (business)
• Keep router firmware updated

How to Check if Your Static IP Is Working?

Steps:

• Connect to the internet
• Visit whatismyip.com
• Restart modem – if IP does not change → static IP is active
• Test remote access using:

http://your-ip:port

Common Problems & Solutions

Summary

Static IP helps you:

• Access CCTV remotely
• Host gaming & business servers
• Enable remote work & VPN
• Improve reliability for business networks

You can get it by:
→ Contacting your ISP for a public static IP
→ Creating a private LAN static IP on the router for internal devices

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I get a static IP address from my ISP?

Ans. Call customer support and request a paid static IP plan.

Q2. How much does a static IP address cost?

Ans. $4 – $20 per month, depending on country and ISP.

Q3. Can I create a static IP without contacting my ISP?

Ans. Yes, but only a private static IP within your home network, not a public internet static IP.

Q4. Is a static IP address more secure?

Ans. It can be secure if protected with VPN + firewall. Without security, it can be risky.

Q5. What is the difference between a public static IP and a private static IP?

Ans. Public = internet-facing

Private = internal LAN (only within home/office network)

Q6. Can I get a static IP for my mobile hotspot?

Ans. Most carriers do not provide a public static IP on regular mobile hotspot plans. Some business or enterprise cellular plans may offer static IP options, but these are usually more expensive and must be requested.

Q7. How do I check if my static IP is working?

Ans. Restart the router and check the IP – if it does not change, the static IP is active.

Q8. Is a static IP good for gaming servers?

Ans. Yes, ensures low latency, reliable connection & easy port forwarding.