This guide explores the Starlink Static IP. Does one exist, and how do you go about acquiring it? Starlink continues to rise in popularity.
With more interesting plans and products on the way, it’s sure to attract tech heads from all corners of the globe.
While Starlink may be the fastest satellite-based internet provider, its competitors trump it in some aspects.
For instance, ViaSat is cheaper and offers business users a persistent IP address that functions similarly to a static IP.
Does Starlink have any options for you to achieve this, too? We’ll answer that question in this guide.
Table of Contents
- What is a Static IP Address?
- Purpose of Static IP Addresses
- Does Starlink Allow Static IP Addresses?
- Alternatives to Starlink Static IP
- FAQ
- Final Words
What is a Static IP Address?
IP addresses allow devices to identify each other on a network.
This means that every device you have connected to your local area or wide area network has an IP Address.
To understand what static IP addresses are and how they work, we must first understand what dynamic IP addresses are.
Typically, a device or program known as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is responsible for assigning IP addresses to devices on your network.
The DHCP server/service can be a router (default gateway), modem (like your Starlink router), or domain name service (DNS) server.
Regardless of the device type, the DHCP server holds a list of IP addresses that it dynamically allocates to devices connecting to your network.
DHCP Vector Image
Usually, these IP addresses range from 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.250.
The DHCP server/service only assigns these IP addresses for a limited amount of time determined by a lease.
As soon as the lease expires, the DHCP service/server will assign a new IP address.
The entire process is automatic. Static IP addresses are a bit different. You usually have to assign them manually.
However, there are instances where you can set your DHCP server to do it for you (static reservations).
Although, you may want to do it yourself in case your DHCP server/service fails.
Most devices with computational and network capabilities (smartphones, tablets and PCs) allow you to set a static IP address under network settings.
But why would you want to?
Purpose of Static IP Addresses
Binary IP Address Vector Image
Devices, services, and network objects that provide critical services should have static IP addresses. These include business firewalls, routers, switches, access points, and other infrastructure devices.
Using dynamic IP addresses for infrastructural devices and services makes it harder to create stable connections to them – especially remotely.
Furthermore, it’s harder to troubleshoot a dynamic IP address as it’s always changing.
If a device is experiencing connectivity issues and you have a large network, it’s easier to identify it by its static IP address.
With Zero-Trust network architecture becoming commonplace, network administrators have begun using demarcated or encapsulated networks.
This is where networks are separated into smaller zones. We can only create these boundaries by giving static IP addresses, firewalls and access points.
This makes it easier and quicker to identify which segments of your network you need to block in order to isolate a threat.
For home networks, static IP addresses make it easier for you to remotely log into your home network.
This can be useful if you have a network-connected home security solution or you’re hosting a media server that you want to connect to remotely.
Does Starlink Allow Static IP Addresses?
IP Addresses Vector Images
Enterprises stand to benefit the most from using static IP addresses. Unfortunately, none of Starlink’s plans offer a static IP address.
However, they have an alternative solution that fulfills the purpose of public static IP addresses.
Starlink offers publicly routable dynamic IP addresses.
These are dynamic IP addresses that give you a direct connection to your network devices through wide area network (WAN) connections.
Only Starlink’s Business Plan and Maritime plans offer this option, though. But why can’t Starlink provide static IP addresses?
Static IP addresses (especially publicly facing ones) are seen as unsafe because they are never changing.
Thus, they make resources and devices easier to find and access for bad actors.
Additionally, there are a limited number of global IP(v4) addresses. As such, it’s not common for ISPs to supply IP addresses to everyday residential users.
Essentially, the lack of static IP addresses isn’t strictly the fault of Starlink.
Nevertheless, IPv6 has always been a solution to the dwindling supply of IP addresses.
As usage grows, the likelihood of ISPs like Starlink providing static IP addresses to residential users increases.
Alternatives to Starlink Static IP
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become popular over the last few years, partially because of the privacy and additional cybersecurity they afford.
VPNs can also be used to bypass the geo-locked or geo-blocked content.
But what many people aren’t aware of is that they can give you a faux static IP known as a static IP gateway.
These are tunnels that connect you to a network. Some desktop remoting software (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, etc.) uses this method to connect two computers.
VPN static IP gateways are a lot more flexible.
They allow you to assign a fixed public ID or address to devices connected to a VPN server.
You can then use these IP addresses to connect to those devices through a wide area network.
IPv6 port forwarding is another good but potentially expensive solution. It will only work if Starlink has assigned you an IPv6 address.
There are various online IP addresses and status checkers you can use to confirm this.
If you qualify, you can purchase a router with IPv6 port forwarding. It essentially acts as a gateway between devices.
Man Working From Home on VPN
FAQ
Is Starlink IPv6 available?
Starlink supports IPv6 IP addresses. However, it only works on IPv6-enabled routers and network devices.
Upon connecting your device, Starlink will assign an IPv6 address to it if it’s able to.
Does VPN Affect Starlink?
While Starlink supports VPNs, it will slow Starlink slightly and increase latency. This is just the nature of VPNs.
They send traffic to proxies or other machines before they reach their final destination. The differences may be more considerable for those using satellite internet.
Does Starlink Include VoIP?
Starlink doesn’t include its own VoIP. However, it is fast enough to support modern VoIPs like Skype, Discord and Microsoft Teams.
Final Words
The above guide explores if Starlink provides users with IP addresses. Unfortunately, none of Starlink’s packages come with a static IP address.
However, as an alternative, Starlink’s business and maritime plan have a public-facing dynamic IP address.
Residential Starlink users can use VPNs or port-forwarding.
Regardless, Starlink is still a good option for those residing in rural areas. Its affordable connectivity program(ACP) seems to be a deal sweetener, too.
With that being said, we hope that you’ve found this article to be helpful. Thank you for reading.
