If you’re a novice VPN user, there’s a good chance that you have no clue about dedicated IPs. These differ from the standard shared IPs, and are basically personal IP addresses used by a single user. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between the two IP address types, as well as highlight the benefits of using a dedicated IP from a VPN.
What is an IP address?
An Internet Protocol address, also commonly referred to as IP address, is unique numerical label assigned to all devices – such as laptops, printers, cameras, and smartphones – connected to a network using the Internet Protocol.
There are two types of IP addresses:
- Internet Protocol version 4
- Internet Protocol version 6
IPv4 addresses are 32-bits in length, whereas IPv6 addresses are 128-bits in length. The former is the most widely deployed version of the Internet Protocol used for connecting devices to the Internet, while the latter is the new and larger version.
Furthermore, IP addresses can be divided into two groups: static and dynamic. Static IP addresses remain the same every time you connect your device to the Internet. Dynamic IP addresses, on the other hand, change over time.
Shared IP address vs. dedicated IP address
When you use a VPN for hiding your real location and identity, you’re usually given a shared IP address by the provider. The IP was used by another user prior to you, and will be assigned to someone else when you disconnect.
If you anonymity is your main concern, a shared IP address has got you “covered”. After all, it becomes difficult for interested parties such as ISPs, governments, and advertisers to trace your online activities back to you.
However, some VPNs also offer dedicated IP addresses as an add-on. The IP is used by you alone, and won’t be shared with anyone else. While it does reduce your anonymity, you can still save yourself from a lot of hassles with a dedicated IP.
The benefits of using a dedicate IP through your VPN
Since the vast majority of providers in the VPN marketplace only offer shared IPs, most people don’t know much about dedicated IPs. The following are some online activities where using a dedicated IP VPN can help:
1. IP whitelisting
Remote working and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) are popular amongst employees, but it’s important to realize that they open up a business to new cyber threats. With IP whitelisting, you can make sure only users with trusted IP addresses are able to access your corporate digital assets. However, this works best with fixed IP addresses, so you should get your hands on a dedicated IP VPN.
2. Internet banking
If you carry out most of your banking activities online, you wouldn’t want your sensitive information to be exposed to hackers. Using a dedicated IP VPN, not only can you secure your Internet traffic with end-to-end encryption but also restrict access to your online bank account by limiting it to your personal IP address alone.
3. Remote working
In most cases, you can only access corporate networks thorough static IP addresses – this is to prevent the risk of hackers getting in. By equipping your employees with a dedicated IP VPN, they can securely connect to such networks from any remote location and utilize corporate resources to get done with their work.
4. Multiplayer gaming
If your IP address changes every now and then, you can get disconnected from your multiplayer gaming session and leave your clan hanging when they need you most. This is not only frustrating but also ruins the overall gaming experience. With a dedicated IP VPN, you’re guaranteed uninterrupted game access as you use a fixed IP address.
5. Account accessibility
Do you use two factor authentication on your online accounts? Logging into these websites can become a pain with shared IP addresses. That’s because the site will assume that someone else is attempting to log in. The use of a dedicated IP VPN, though, ensures fast and secure account accessibility whenever you visit.
PureVPN – The Most Trusted Dedicated IP VPN!
If any of the abovementioned scenarios interest you, and you’re in search of the best dedicated IP VPN provider for your needs, then look no further than PureVPN. It’s one of the only VPNs in the industry that offers dedicated IPs for personal use.
You can get your clean static IP from eight different countries, including Australia, United States, Canada, and United Kingdom, among others. There are no caps on bandwidth, and a 31-day money-back guarantee ensures that your investment remains protected.
Follow these steps for a dedicated IP address:
- Subscribe to PureVPN with dedicated IP.
- Install the PureVPN app or software on your device.
- Select the Dedicated IP
- Enter the hostname provided to you by email and hit Connect.
- You can now enjoy full online freedom and top-notch security with your dedicated IP address!
Final Word
By reserving a dedicated IP address from a reputed VPN provider such as PureVPN, you can log into websites hassle-free, enjoy an uninterrupted gaming experience, conduct safe online banking, and more, all without revealing your real identity and location.
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