- MyRepublic
A static IP address is a fixed, unchanging number assigned to your home network. Most of us don’t need one. Our broadband connections will work just fine with dynamic IPs that update automatically.
However, if you’re a gamer, streamer, smart home nerd, or remote worker, a static IP might give you better control and smoother experiences.
Let’s break it down.
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of Static IPs, let’s first understand some of the main concepts.
What’s My IP Address? (And why does it matter?)
Your IP address is like your home address on the internet. It’s how your device talks to the wider world. Most home users have a dynamic IP, which changes from time to time. That’s totally fine for everyday browsing.
For gamers and streamers, your IP affects things like matchmaking, NAT type, and latency. If your IP keeps changing or if you’re behind multiple layers of NAT, you might get stuck with strict settings that limit your ability to join games, host matches, or voice chat properly. In some cases, a static IP (or a dedicated gaming setup) can smooth things out.
Why Does My IP Address Keep Changing?
Because your ISP assigns it that way. Dynamic IPs refresh periodically, especially after reboots or changes in network conditions. That’s why your remote desktop connection might suddenly stop working or your port forwarding rules get confused.
If you find yourself needing to reconfigure things on a regular basis, a static IP solves this by locking your address in place.
Static vs Dynamic IP: What’s the Difference?
Dynamic IPs are assigned automatically by your ISP and may change over time.
Static IPs stay the same every time you connect to the internet.
- Need reliable remote access to home devices
- Run a home server, NAS, or surveillance system
- Want to set up advanced port forwarding or a smart home dashboard
Private IP vs Public IP: A Short Explainer
Every device in your home gets a private IP from your router. But your home network as a whole gets a public IP that the internet sees.
If you have multiple devices in your home, they might all appear as one to outside services. This is called Network Address Translation (NAT). It works great for most people, but if you’re trying to host a game server, run a camera feed, or remote into your desktop, this setup may get in the way.
What are NAT types and:Why do Gamers Hate Strict NAT
There are three common types of NAT:
Open NAT: Everything just works. No problems joining or hosting.
Moderate NAT: Some limitations, but still playable.
Strict NAT: Good luck joining a party or hosting a match.
Strict NAT is often caused by double NAT (e.g. router behind a router) or dynamic IP setups. A static IP, combined with proper port forwarding, can help you get back to Open NAT, which means lower ping, better connectivity, and fewer disconnects.
This brings us to the next topic in question:
Port Forwarding: How to set up Port Forwarding for your Home Network (without breaking it)
Port forwarding lets external devices connect directly to something inside your network. This could be your gaming console, NAS, or security camera.
- Gamers: Host your own Minecraft or Valorant servers
- Remote Workers: Access your office PC from home
- Smart Home Users: Connect to your IP cam while travelling
To set it up reliably, you’ll typically want a static IP so that your forwarded ports always know where to go. The good news is that it’s not as scary as it sounds, and many routers have user-friendly interfaces for it now.
Log into your router’s admin panel (usually accessible via your browser using the router’s IP address). Find the Port Forwarding section, and manually assign which external ports should route to which internal IP and port.
This allows traffic from the internet to reach the right device inside your network without interference, such as your gaming console, camera, or server. Be sure to assign a static IP to the internal device so the rule doesn’t break if its IP changes. It’s one of those setups that sounds technical but is well worth the 15 minutes if you want a smoother online experience.
And finally, this brings us back to the original question:
Do you need a Static IP? Here’s How to Check
- Regularly remote into your devices from outside your home
- Host services or servers (e.g. for gaming or file sharing)
- Need consistent port forwarding rules
- Use a complex smart home setup that benefits from fixed addressing
If your needs are more casual (streaming Netflix, playing games, video calls), a dynamic IP is more than enough.
What are the Best Internet Settings for Gaming and Streaming?
- Low latency: Look for ISPs with gamer-optimised routing
- Custom DNS: Try Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). Both are widely recommended and reputable for faster DNS resolution, better privacy, and reliability
- Wired connections: Wired connections always beat Wi-Fi for stability
- Port Forwarding + Static IP: For power users who want complete control over their home networks and competitive gamers who need the lowest latency possible, port forwarding gives you the ability to direct traffic exactly where it needs to go. This ensures smoother connections for gaming, seamless remote access, and faster response times for smart home devices.
Shameless self-promotion: MyRepublic’s GAMER Broadband plans comes with custom routing paths and prioritised gaming traffic. Perfect if you’re chasing that low-latency, no-lag setup.
Final Thoughts on Static IPs and Life
For most users, a dynamic IP is more than sufficient. But if you’re looking to level up your setup, whether for gaming, streaming, remote work, or smart home automation, a static IP gives you more control.
It pairs especially well with fast, low-latency broadband designed for power users.
Think of it like life: some of us drift and adapt, shifting paths dynamically. Others want fixed coordinates; a permanent address in a chaotic universe. A static IP won’t help you find the meaning of life, but it will help your devices find each other without getting lost in translation. You may not always have control, consistency, and connection in life, but at least you can with Static IP. Sometimes, that’s all you need.
Add on Static IP to your broadband plan with just a one time charge for all MyRepublic customers Not on MyRepublic Broadband yet? Sign up for any broadband plan to unlock Static IP and other powerful add-ons.
