A dedicated IP address is your own personal internet address, which is not connected to other users. The name is self-explanatory and it implies that this is something dedicated only to you, for personal use.
Contrary to this, shared IPs, for example, can be used by more people at the same time. Let’s see what the main difference is between the two, which one is better, and why.
Shared IP vs. Dedicated IP
The IP address you are using is your online identity. Many times we feel the need to stay anonymous and protected over the internet. Over the years, Virtual Private Networks have become the main solution to this.
It’s a widely used technology that masks your IP address, therefore your identity, and at the same time keeps you safe by encrypting your traffic. When you connect your home to an internet service provider, the ISP assigns you with your own IP address that can be used to easily identify you.
However, when you connect to a VPN, this IP addressed is masked by the one that it is appointed to you by the VPN server.
Usually, VPN service providers offer shared IP addresses, which means many other people around the world might be using it at the same time as you are. It’s practical, affordable, and it keeps your true identity hidden.
On the other hand, if a VPN offers dedicated IP addresses to users, it means that instead of sharing an IP address with other people, you will get one of your own. You can use this personal IP address every time you connect to the VPN.
For example, if you are currently residing outside the US, you can get an American dedicated IP address which will allow you to access every content as if you were located there. No matter where you are, even if you are traveling from one place to another, every time you connect to the VPN you will be assigned to the same address.
To say which one is better is not possible, because it’s really a matter of preference and priorities.
If a user wants to stay anonymous and private over the internet, shared (or dynamic) IP addresses are a great alternative. That way users will be re-assigned with new IP addresses every time they log in on a VPN server, which makes tracking their identity almost impossible.
On the other hand, if your main focus is personal security, a dedicated (or static) IP address might just be a better solution. It will allow you to open more important documents or accounts without running the risk of anyone sending a botnet, which will endanger your private information.
Dedicated IP Address Benefits
While they both have their pros and cons, it’s clear that users lack knowledge when it comes to dedicated IP addresses. As VPNs usually offer shared ones, people don’t tend to explore the other options, such as this particular one. As a matter of fact, dedicated VPN IP addresses have a fair share of advantages, including the following.
Better streaming experience
VoD (Video on Demand) services are fighting a war against VPN providers. Many of them, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc., have established a secure protection that allows them to choose who gets to access their content, and who doesn’t.
They have fierce geo-blocking techniques that not many VPNs can bypass. These streaming services restrict content to avoid copyright and licensing issues and the restrictions are so advanced that the basic VPN provider is not able to bypass them. That’s because mainly they use shared IPs that VoD services can easily identify. They know it’s a VPN IP address and then they backlist it.
With a dedicated IP address, you will access their network with a single address, which will not look suspicions to VoD services.
Besides, you will also get a much faster streaming experience as you won’t have to share it with many other users at the same time. Overloading an IP address and cause lags and buffering.
Better DDoS protection
DDoS stands for Distributed Denial of Service. It’s an attack that can corrupt an entire network and endanger your data. These assaults mostly happen on public Wi-Di networks, on online gaming platforms, and can also happen with shared IP addresses.
When you use a dedicated one, you don’t run the risk of anyone with the relevant hacking knowledge attacking you.
A DDoS usually attacks a machine or a network source and prevents the hosts from connecting to it. By using a static VPN IP address, not only will you stay untraceable to such attacks, but you will also enjoy a much better, uninterrupted and smooth gaming experience. When it comes to online gaming, a dedicated IP will prevent lags or buffering as well.
Easier online banking
If you want to enter your online bank account, but constantly use a different address, the website will eventually get suspicious and try to block you. It’s understandable why banking services are more precautious than other websites.
They don’t want their users to become victims of account theft and try to avoid this by all means. So if they notice some unusual behavior, you will have to go through many account verifications to prove that it is, indeed, you accessing your account.
With a dedicated address, this will no longer be a problem because the IP you’ll be using won’t change every time you activate your VPN and access your accounts.
More secure transactions
Do you perform online transactions regularly? If your answer is yes, then we advise you to think about using a dedicated IP address on your next one. Otherwise, you are running the risk of someone receiving all of your financial details.
If you are using an IP address that is specifically assigned to you in your money related exchanges, then you can perform anything at any time, and you won’t have to fear your information falling into the wrong hands.
All in all, when you need the highest level of personal security while browsing the internet or with your transactions, a dedicated VPN IP address can be your best alternative.
The downside is that not many VPN service providers offer them, and if they do, you’ll probably have to pay some extra cash. Nonetheless, this will be a worthy investment in improving your security.