4 Advantages of a Static IP Address for First Responders

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benefits of static ip address

What are the benefits of static IP address configurations for first responder teams?

Static IP addresses provide fast connections, simplified remote access, enhanced stability and increased manual oversight and control—all staples of first responder networking and comms. In this guide, we’ll break down IP address basics and explore these benefits in detail.

If you need a reliable network connection 24/7/365, a static IP setup might be the right call for your team.

What is a Static IP Address?

Before we get into the technical benefits of a static IP address, let’s define some basic concepts:

  • An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a number assigned to a piece of hardware by a network device. IP addresses allow devices to locate and communicate with each other.
  • A static IP address is manually assigned and doesn’t change. Like your home address, a static IP provides a consistent server location for a device, web page or network.
  • Dynamic IP addresses change automatically and are assigned by a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server—not all networking devices have one. 
  • A networking device is a gate between devices and the internet. Before another device can communicate with yours, or your device exchanges data via the internet, requests to do so must pass through the networking device (a router is one example).

So, how do all of these pieces fit together?

  1. You type a URL or network address into your browser, requesting access to that URL.
  2. The networking device receives your request and:

           A. Translates the URL into an IP address

           B. Searches web servers to find that IP address

  1. The device hosting the URL or network grants access to your device.
  2. Your network device grants the URL or network access to your device.

An IP address is essentially a set of coordinates for a device. When you want to access a URL or network, an IP address is critical information. 

4 Benefits of Static IP Addresses for Emergency Response

So, why are static IPs advantageous for first responder teams? Let’s explore the benefits of static IPs in more detail.

#1 Streamlined, Fast Connection

Let’s return to the numbered list of steps above—specifically, Step 2b. 

After your networking device translates a URL into an IP address, it has to find it. IP addresses are stored on a variety of servers, and networking devices (and their DNS servers, which locate IPs) must complete various steps to track them down:

  1. A DNS server receives a request to locate a URL and sends a request to a root server.
  2. A root server locates the Top Level Domain (TLD) server where the IP is located.
  3. The TLD server provides the Authoritative Name Server storing the IP.
  4. The DNS queries the Authoritative Name Server to find the IP’s precise location.

When you use a static IP address, you can significantly decrease the time it takes to complete the IP location process—since the IP is always the same, so is its server location, decreasing the time it takes to connect.

This speed is critical for first responders who often can’t afford to wait for a URL to load on their device. 

#2 Simplified Remote Access

Static IP addresses simplify URL access and streamline remote access to file servers. 

When you run a remote access program or app, you establish a link between your device and the IP address hosting the file server you’re accessing. The process is essentially the same as the URL location process:

  • Your networking device seeks out the file server’s IP address via the steps above.
  • The IP grants access to your device, establishing a connection and granting permission.
  • Once the connection is made, the access process is significantly quicker on repeated access requests—unless one of the devices’ IP addresses changes. 

If the file server didn’t have a static IP, the networking device would have to find the server’s IP every time it’s assigned a new one. And, if your device doesn’t have a static IP, the file server has to grant permissions all over again—all of this takes precious time from first responders. 

#3 Enhanced Stability

Since static IPs don’t change, they provide increased connection stability—connections to (and between) static IPs happen faster, and they’re more reliable. 

This stability has two crucial implications for first responders’ network access:

  • It prevents request timeouts – If it takes too long for your browser to connect to a URL, you might encounter an error message when the search process times out. When this occurs, you have to start the request from the beginning.
  • It ensures connection and access – First responders often don’t have time to worry that their hardware or software will malfunction. When both devices use static IPs, failed connections are less likely. 

Of course, there are other factors at play in device connectivity—but static IPs can eliminate some hassle from first responders’ systems. 

#4 Manual Configuration Increases Oversight

While automation has its place, manual oversight can improve critical infrastructure outcomes (like first responders’ emergency response technologies). 

Although static IP addresses don’t change, they need to be manually configured—a process requiring some human involvement. And while dynamic IPs’ “plug-and-play” setup might sound convenient, it reduces first responder teams’ degree of control over the system. 

Manual oversight is particularly important for first responders handling:

  • Confidential or classified information
  • Critical responsibilities in disaster response
  • Operations requiring large teams (the more devices in a system, the higher likelihood of malfunctions)

Configuring static IPs is hands-on, which can prevent malfunctions and help IT staff discover issues sooner. 

Stay Connected with IP Access International

Static IPs might be the ideal solution for your first responder team—their speed, simplicity, stability and setup demands could improve your connectivity outcomes and overall operations. 

When you need a reliable connection anytime, anywhere and under any conditions, consult the experts at IP Access International. 

Since 1999, we’ve been a leader in rapidly deployable satellite networks that can keep your operation online. But, we’ve recently introduced an exciting new tool specifically designed for first responders—First Responder Net, a massive network of networks leveraging the power of cellular and satellite power. The network even supports off-grid communications. 

Emergency response is growing increasingly dependent on connectivity tech. It’s time to level up with solutions from IP Access.Â