In the market for a VPN? Then you probably have heard of "dedicated IPs" while comparing different VPN providers. Contrary to the popular "shared IPs," these are personal IP addresses that are reserved for a single user's exclusive use.
The main question here, though, is why should you opt for a VPN offering this feature?
In this article, we'll highlight the difference between these two main types of IP addresses. Moreover, you'll get to know about the various advantages of using a VPN with dedicated IP in any country. So let's get started.
What Is An IP address?
All devices connected to a network, such as smartphones, cameras, laptops, and tablets, are assigned a unique numerical label called an internet protocol (IP) address. This not only allows them to be identified on the internet — and within your network — but also makes communication between each other possible.
What Is The Difference Between A Shared And Dedicated IP Address?
Since the IP address given by your internet service provider (ISP) leaves behind traces, it can be used to reveal your identity and compromise your privacy. As such, VPNs have become more and more popular in recent times.
The technology is widely being used by individuals and businesses alike to mask their real IP address and identity online. It also protects all traffic and communications with end-to-end encryption, adding an extra layer of privacy.
Most VPN providers such as PureVPN use a shared IP by default, which means every user connected to that specific VPN server will be given the same IP address. This brings plenty of benefits from a security perspective.
For instance, you get increased protection against DDoS attacks, and not to mention enhanced anonymity because your online activity can't be traced back to any single user. However, for a few extra bucks per month, you can also use a dedicated IP.
This IP address is provided for your use only, and won't be shared with anybody else. Though it makes you somewhat less anonymous online, there are still a variety of benefits associated with using a dedicated IP.
Benefits Of Using A Dedicated IP VPN
As most VPN providers usually offer shared IPs, it doesn't come as a surprise that most people lack basic knowledge about dedicated IPs. That said, here are a few scenarios where the use of a dedicated IP VPN proves useful:
1. Secure Remote Access
Most business networks can only be accessed through specific IP addresses, and for good reason, i.e., to prevent the possibility of unauthorized entry. With a dedicated IP VPN, however, employees can safely connect to these networks from any location in the world to easily access corporate information and resources.
2. Control Over Online Reputation
Using a dedicated IP VPN, you no longer have to worry about getting banned from websites or communities due to the inappropriate or illegal activities of other users who share the IP address you are using. The IP address would be under your watch and control at all times, meaning no one can ruin your online reputation.
3. Hassle-Free Login
Some websites, such as Gmail, PayPal, and eBay, check your IP address upon logging in. If it changes often, you may be temporarily restricted from logging in until they can verify your identity. This makes accessing these sites a huge hassle, but this can be avoided with a dedicated IP VPN, as you'll have the same IP address every time you log in.
4. IP Whitelisting
The rising trend of remote working and BYOD has indeed made lives easier for employees, but it also increases a business' exposure to new online threats. You can improve your network security by only allowing certain whitelisted IP addresses to gain access to your database, WordPress, and cloud computing environment — and this is where a dedicated IP VPN can help.
5. Internet Banking Security
If you conduct online transactions on a regular basis, it's important that you protect your sensitive data from cybercriminals. With a dedicated IP VPN, you can prevent unwanted access to your online banking account by limiting it to your static IP address only. As a result, nobody will be able to get their hands on your sensitive information or money.
6. Less Downtime While Gaming
There is a risk of downtime from the server you are connected to when your dynamic IP address changes. While this usually occurs only for a short period, it can pretty much ruin your score and overall gaming experience. A dedicated IP VPN, however, assigns you a static IP address, which considerably diminishes this risk.
7. Run An FTP Server
If you want to set up a web or FTP server on your computer using the same IP address, a dedicated IP VPN can help. Your connection will be encrypted, so your ISP won't be able to see what you're up to online — they prohibit the use of home internet connections to run web or file servers. You can also increase the security of your server by restricting FTP access to your static IP.
PureVPN: The Best Dedicated IP VPN Provider
If you can relate to any of the aforementioned scenarios and are looking for a dedicated IP VPN provider that's worth your money, PureVPN has got you covered. It's one of the few VPNs out there that offers dedicated IPs for complete online security and freedom.
You can reserve a static IP address from eight different countries around the world, including Malta, United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, Australia, Germany, United States, and Hong Kong. In addition, your purchase is backed with a generous 31-day money-back guarantee!
Final Word
As you can see, there are many benefits of using a dedicated IP address from your VPN service. But to get the best possible experience, always opt for a reputed dedicated IP VPN provider like PureVPN.