Broadband

1. What's an IP Address?

When you connect to the Internet, your router or modem is assigned an IP address. It's used to help your computer communicate with other devices, users, and computers on the Internet. They are similar to telephone numbers - each one is unique and used to identify a way to reach you and only you.

Depending on your account type, your IP address will either be dynamic or static.

• Dynamic - you get a different IP address each time you connect
• Static - you get the same IP address each time you connect

2. Is my IP address dynamic or static?

Most of our broadband products are given a dynamic address and have the option to switch to a static address if required.

The exceptions to this are:

• Plusnet Value and Broadband Plus accounts cannot switch to a static IP
• Broadband Premier, Broadband PAYG and business accounts sold prior to July 30th 2009 have a static IP and cannot switch to a dynamic IP

All other account types can switch between static and dynamic IP addresses, see the next question to find out how.

Not sure which broadband product you're on? Check your Account Summary.

3. How to switch between a dynamic & static IP

The process depends on the type of account you have:

Residential customers

Go to Add-Ons which you'll find under Connection Settings in My Account.

From here, you can see your current IP address settings. Switch between static and dynamic by clicking the button.

Please note:

• There's a £5 setup fee to activate a Static IP for residential customers
• You'll need to reboot your router before the change takes effect
• If you remove a Static IP, you're unlikely to get the same address if you switch back in the future
• Add-Ons will not appear for accounts where switching is not available

Business Customers

Go to Static IP which you'll find under Connection Settings in My Account.

From here, you can see your current IP address settings. Switch between static and dynamic by clicking the button.

Please note:

• You'll need to reboot your router before the change takes effect
• If you switch from static to dynamic, you're unlikely to get the same static IP if you switch back in the future
• Static IP will not appear for accounts where switching is not available

4. I need a static IP but it's not available on my account

You'll need to change to an account that allows you to switch. See our Product Change Guide to find out how to do this.

5. Are multiple IP blocks available?

IP blocks (of 4, 8 or 16) are available to business customers only.

To request an IP block, raise a ticket (follow the path below) stating why a single static IP with NAT and port forwarding isn't suitable for your setup.

Help Assistant > Technical Support > IP Addresses > Ask a Question about IP addresses

For 8 & 16 IP block requests, you'll need to attach a completed Ripe form. Use the Ripe form generator on our Usertools website if you need help with this.

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This page last updated 18th May 2010