What is a Dedicated IP? Why Do You Need One?
The Advantages of Using a Dedicated IP
An IP address is your computer’s gateway to the online world. However, it can also be used against you by hackers, data harvesters, or other nefarious entities. Luckily, tools like VPNs can help protect your security and privacy online by hiding your real IP.
If you’ve been shopping around for a VPN, you’ve probably come across the terms “shared IP” and “dedicated IP.” Now, you’re most likely wondering which one is the best option to secure your IP for everyday use.
A dedicated IP is a unique internet address that can only be used by one person. As such, it has many advantages for security and privacy in an increasingly connected world.
What is an IP address? What is a Shared IP?
IP is short for Internet Protocol – a protocol that controls how information is routed throughout a network. In a way, an IP address is just like a physical address but is used online or in a network. Each device on a network gets its own unique IP address so that they can find and communicate with each other.
As the name suggests, a shared IP can be shared between or assigned to different devices. That means a single shared IP can be mapped to multiple physical internet addresses. So, for example, a hosting provider can use a shared IP to host numerous websites on a single shared hosting server. And providers can share a single shared IP between multiple users.
Shared IPs are used because IPs have become a valuable resource in a time when there are more connected devices than ever before. This allows hosting providers and VPNs to offer their services more affordably.
What is a Dedicated IP?
Unlike a shared IP, a dedicated IP is only assigned to a single user. TorGuard provides you a dedicated IP with your VPN Pro or Premium account, you can even “buy” additional dedicated IPs in different regions if required. Each IP address is unique to you and only maps to a single internet address.
IP addresses are public resources managed by internet registries. So, you can’t buy an IP address to own. But, you can reserve the right for only you to use that IP through our VPN.
Just like a shared IP, however, your dedicated IP will be different from your local IP, which means you’ll enjoy the same baseline level of privacy, anonymity, and security.
Why are Dedicated IPs important today?
Let’s look at all the reasons why dedicated IPs are superior to shared IPs today:
Bypass Website Restrictions
Shared IPs are much more likely to get blocked or blacklisted by websites or online services. Because they are so widely used by many users, shared IPs are sometimes known to IP-blocking tools. Thus, there is a greater chance when using a shared IP that you’ll be flagged for suspicious behavior.
There’s also always the outside chance you and another user try to connect to the same server simultaneously with the same shared IP and use the same services which can then lead to problems with that service.
On the other hand, since only one user has access to a dedicated IP for an extended period of time, it looks more natural. What’s more, because you always use the same IP to connect, the online services you use will associate that IP with your account. So, for example, you won’t have to fill in CAPTCHAs as much.
Banks, gaming servers, and streaming platforms all regularly block shared IPs.
Enhanced Privacy and Security
When you buy a dedicated IP, only you have access to it. This prevents the nefarious activities of others using the same shared IP from affecting your web experience.
Also, particularly if for example, a user used the shared IP to host a DOS attack, there’s always a chance that this can affect everyone that uses the same shared IP. While a dedicated IP won’t protect you from a direct attack on your IP, it will prevent you from falling victim to collateral damage.
In some cases, you also need a dedicated IP to activate an SSL certificate, especially if you want to host an application at home.
There are also a number of other security benefits to using a dedicated IP:
- Avoid repetitive verification when making online payments
- Securely connect to your home network
- Whitelisting access to critical infrastructure
Fast and Secure Email Delivery
A dedicated IP may also help you avoid being flagged as spam by various mail servers. When you use a shared IP, and someone else with the same IP sends spam emails, everyone using that IP may be flagged as a spammer. You won’t have this same problem with a dedicated IP.
But, there is a catch.
You have to use a Dedicated IP consistently to build trust, it won’t happen overnight. If you send regular emails each day, you will ensure you keep your spam rating very low. A dedicated IP is usually associated with higher levels of trust after the “run-in” period. So, as long as you don’t abuse emails, you should be fine.
More Control over Your Server
Using a dedicated IP can also have numerous benefits for those who run specific types of websites. That’s because you’ll have more control over configuring your server and controlling access to it.
This is important, for example, when running:
- A gaming server
- Online workspace
- FTP server
- A server that offers VPN connections
How to get a Dedicated IP address?
To get your dedicated IP, you’ll need to either submit a support ticket and request one or order the VPN Pro or Premium service that offers this feature. The business plans come with between 1 and 10 dedicated IPs.
When you create an account and add a dedicated IP, you’ll typically just need to “re-login” to the TorGuard desktop app to add your dedicated IP(s). You can then toggle between using a shared or dedicated IP whenever you make your VPN connection.
Conclusion
As hacking, cyberattacks, and online identity fraud are becoming increasingly prevalent, it’s more important than ever to protect your home IP. In 2022 alone, more than 1.4 million people in the US fell victim to identity theft. Not only does a dedicated IP help maintain a solid level of security, but it also makes accessing anything on the web that much easier.
