Browse

Web Africa Knowledge Base

Have a question about our products and services?
Tools

Static IP Q&A

  1. What is an IP address?

  2. What is a static IP address?

  3. Why get static IPs?

  4. What do I need to get a static IP address?
  5. What router do I get with my Static IPs?
  6. How many IPs do I get?
  7. How do I access my router?
  8. How do I manage my router and static IPs?
  9. What is 1 to 1 NAT?
  10. What is DHCP?
  11. What is the reverse IP used for?
  12. How long will the router delivery take?
  13. What if I cancel my account?
  14. How long will it take to setup my static IPs?


What is an IP address


Every machine on the internet­ has a unique identifying number, called an IP Address. A typical IP address looks like this:

  • 216.27.61.137



What is a static IP address?


A static web address is one that is manually assigned to your computer. With a manually assigned IP address it stays the same unless you specifically change it.

 

Dynamic IPs are the usual method of IP assignment. A dynamic IP address means that the address is automatically assigned to your computer by your ISP, each time you log onto the internet. This IP is usually different every time you log on to the internet.



Why get static IPs?


There are many benefits to be gained from using a fixed IP address. A static IP address lets you:

  • Use remote access - With a static IP address you can connect to your PC no matter where you are in the world. Using programs such as Remote Administrator and PC Anywhere you can log into your work or home PC no matter where you are.
  • Host your own website - Installing web server software on your PC allows you to set up your own website and can save you money if you need one for your business, or just want one for personal use.
  • Host your own mail server - Set up your own email address with your choice of domain name. Again, this is especially useful if you run a small business. You will need to install specific mail server software to do this, but there are free programs available.
  • Host your own FTP server - File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is an efficient and reliable way to transfer data from one computer to another, and you can send larger files this way than you can by email. Again, specific software must be installed in order for you to set up an FTP site, but this is easy to do and free software is available online. You might want to use an FTP site to share files, such as pictures, with your friends and family, or you might use it to enhance your business. Either way, once you’ve set up the site, clients or friends just need to log in to access, edit or uploads files.
  • Host your own gaming server - For all those online gaming addicts, having a static IP address means that you can take your gaming to the next level. Many online games have an option for running your own server, allowing you to select your own settings and regulate who you let into your game - so you and your friends could have a private game of Battlefield.
  • Less downtime - Each time a dynamic IP address refreshes you run the risk of downtime from the server you are currently connected to. While this is usually only for a very short time, it can cause disconnects.



What do I need to get a Static IP address?


You will need a business uncapped product and the 7402X router which is included in the once off  dedicated IP cost. This router must be ordered through Web Africa as we pre-configure the router for you.



What router do I get with my Static IPs?


You receive the 7402x router which consists of 4 x 10/100 Mbps LAN ports






How many IPs do I get?


You get 5 IPs which can be assigned via your DSL console.



How do I access my router?


As the router is pre-configured for automation purposes, we lock access to the router. You can, however, manage all your required settings through your DSL console.


How do I manage my router and static IPs?


You can manage and view your settings through your DSL console. You have the following functionality on your DSL console:

  • Change uncapped account password. This will automatically update your uncapped account password on the router.
  • Router and IP Information
  • Enable/Disable and configure DHCP
  • Enable/Disable and configure 1 to 1 NAT
  • Configure reverse IP settings

Please Note: All changes will cause the Router to disconnect temporarily while updates are made. These updates may take up to 10 minutes for completion.



What is 1 to 1 NAT?


1:1 NAT (Network Address Translation) is a mode of NAT that maps one internal address to one external address. For example, if a network has two internal servers at 192.168.1.10 and 192.168.1.11, then 1:1 NAT can map 192.168.1.10 to 1.2.3.5 and 192.168.1.11 to 1.2.3.6 (where 1.2.3.5 and 1.2.3.6 are both external IP address provided by Web Africa).
By enabling and setting your DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), you can dynamically assign your static IP addresses to a particular computer. This allows IP addresses to be configured centrally, without having to manually configure each computer on the network.

This is also referred to as a PTR record. PTR records resolve IP addresses into host-names (these are created for IP address and not domain names).

It is highly recommended to setup PTR records for mail servers. Some external mail exchange servers make reverse DNS lookups (a method of identifying the PTR record) before accepting messages originating from your mail server. If your mail server doesn’t return a PTR record the receiving mail server may reject your email.

Your router will be delivered within 48 hours after payment has been made. 

You keep your 7402X router but it can only be used with your Web Africa uncapped package.
After connecting your router, allow up to 15 minutes for your static IPs to be setup.

Did this answer your question?
Yes No
Additional Info
Rss
086 000 9500
Copyright © Web Africa Networks. All rights reserved.
KM Software by: KnowledgeBase Manager Pro v5.4.0 (Built with: JS.GUI - JavaScript Framework)