IP address FAQs
Check our handy guide to find out what is an IP address and all you need to know about it.
Whenever you go online, your router or modem is given an IP address. Your IP is like your phone number, unique to you and used as a way to identify and reach you.
Your IP address will either be dynamic or static. Dynamic means you're given a different IP each time you connect to the Internet. Whereas static means you'll be given the same one each time.
All our current broadband products are given a dynamic IP but you'll have the option of changing to a static one. If you're using an older product check below for more about your IP. If you're not sure what you've got, check Connection Settings, under Manage Account in My Account, or see the question below.
It depends on the broadband package you've got.
| Account type | Default IP type | Switch between static and dynamic? | Multiple IPs (IP blocks) available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home products | Dynamic | Yes - £5 setup charge | No |
| Business products | Dynamic | Yes – no extra charge | Yes |
| SDSL | Dynamic | Yes – no extra charge | Yes |
| Account type | Default IP type | Switch between static and dynamic? | Multiple IPs (IP blocks) available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plusnet Essentials / Essentials Fibre | Dynamic | No | No |
| Plusnet Unlimited Fibre | Dynamic | Yes - £5 setup charge | No |
| Plusnet Value | Dynamic | No | No |
| Plusnet Extra | Dynamic | Yes - £5 setup charge | No |
| Plusnet Pro | Dynamic | Yes - £5 setup charge | No |
| Plusnet Premium | Dynamic | Yes - £5 setup charge | No |
| Unlimited | Dynamic | Yes - £5 setup charge | No |
| Plusnet Essential | Dynamic | Yes - £5 setup charge | No |
| Broadband Your Way (all options) | Dynamic | Yes - £5 setup charge | No |
| Broadband Plus | Dynamic | No | No |
| Broadband Premier (all Options) | Static | No | No |
| Broadband PAYG, Home Lite | Static | No | No |
| Business Options 1-3 | Dynamic | Yes – no extra charge | Yes |
| Business | Static | No | Yes |
| Small Business | Static | No | Yes |
| Teleworker | Static | No | Yes |
| Homeworker | Static | No | Yes |
- Log in to My Account
- Click on Add-Ons
- You'll be able to see what your IP settings are at the moment. Switch between static and dynamic by selecting the option you want to use. It usually costs £5 to do that. It's not always possible for some of our older broadband packages, but you can check whether or not you're eligible
- Log in to My Account
- Go to Connection Settings
- Click on Static IP
- To switch from a dynamic IP to a static IP, click Activate your Static IP. If you already have a static IP and would like to switch to dynamic just call our Business Support Team on 0800 028 0282
- There's a £5 setup fee to start using a static IP if you've got home broadband and your package allows you to switch IPs
- You'll need to reboot your router before you'll see any change
- If you remove a static IP, you probably won't get the same address if you switch back again
- The option to choose a static IP won't show up for accounts that aren't able to switch between the two
You'll need to change to a broadband package that allows you to switch IPs. To do that, just go to Offers and Upgrades and choose a package that has a static IP.
You can get an IP block if you've got business broadband. It's when you need a range of IPs (either four or eight), so you can assign different ones to different devices. It's handy if you've got several different devices or services each requiring a public-facing IP address, like a firewall on one and an SSL website on another, because you won't be able to use things like port forwarding or Network Address Translation (also commonly called NAT addressing).
To get a 4-block IP:
- Go to the Help Assistant and select IP Addresses
- In the text box, let us know why you need a 4-block IP and why you can't use port forwarding with your set-up (this'll help us understand what you need us to do)
- Click Send your question to the support team and we'll be in touch
To get an 8-block IP:
- Go to the Help Assistant and select IP Addresses
- In the text box, let us know why you need an 8-block IP
- Click Send your question to the support team and we'll be in touch
If you need help with any of that, just let us know.
