Just as surfing the web is better with a stable internet connection, completing tasks like web scraping or bulk purchasing is more efficient with a static IP address. But before you rush to buy static proxies, you should know how exactly they improve your tasks.
You are not better off with a static IP in every scenario. This article will explain how they work, why it matters for proxies, and when you should choose them. Let’s start with some basics.
Static and dynamic IPs
IP addresses are unique identifiers that signal who you are for each web server in contact. The abbreviation IP stands for the Internet Protocol. Simply put, it’s a set of rules that govern how online communications are handled. As per these rules, each device on the internet must have an IP address.
Smartphones, tablets, Laptops, TVs, routers, and even smart fridges have an IP address. A private IP address such as this one – 192.0.2.1 (IPv4) might be assigned by your network router to a device connecting online through it. However, IP addresses, especially public ones, might also include letters with the newest IPv6 standard.
Naming conventions aside, the most important distinction for us here is between static and dynamic IP addresses.
- A static IP address does not change and is assigned to a specific device permanently. Multiple network sessions can be done with the same IP address without changing.
- Best for: Static IPs are great for hosting websites, remote access points, or other advanced web applications. They are usually faster when downloading or uploading large data packets.
- A dynamic IP address changes over time. It can happen due to the network router assigning a different address each time you connect or the service provider switching IPs to optimize performance.
- Best for: Since the IP changes, tracking or infiltrating such a home network is more difficult. Dynamic IPs also do not require much configuration or know-how from the user. In most cases, it’s done automatically by the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server.
Both types of IP addresses show your approximate location, but dynamic ones vary the IPs with ones from the same approximate location. That’s why static IPs are more accurate for location targeting. Web servers can pinpoint your location better when you connect from the same IP each time. These differences are crucial for running proxy servers.
Why does IP type matter for proxies?
Proxy servers are devices configured to act as intermediaries between the internet and other devices. For example, if you set up a device in Germany to act as your proxy, you could use its IP address and location to connect from Germany.
Of course, setting up a proxy device to route your internet requests requires a lot of resources and know-how. It’s easier to simply purchase it from a provider that can offer a proxy type suitable for you. The main proxy types are distinguished by IP address source.
- Residential proxies – Residential proxies are sourced from ordinary homes. In most cases, providers pay people to run software that enables their devices (laptops, for example) to act as a proxy getaway for others. It’s a type that will arouse the least suspicion from web servers, albeit it can be slow at times.
- Mobile proxies – Mobile proxies are sourced from devices that use mobile internet. Smartphones, tablets, or other similar devices are used to connect to the internet and run software, allowing them to act as proxy servers. Mobile connections may not be fast, but they are often the only option to access mobile-specific services.
- Datacenter proxies – Datacenter proxies stand out for their affordability and performance capabilities. Unlike the other two types, they are created in special data centers that use commercial internet and professional equipment. One good server can host hundreds of data centre IPs virtually, which is the source of their benefits, but also makes it vulnerable to IP blocks and other restrictions.
Each of these proxy types changes their functioning when used as static or as dynamic. Mobile proxies are rarely static. To ensure support for devices on the move, mobile internet providers use dynamic IPs, so mobile proxy infrastructure cannot hold such IPs unchanging for a long time.
Residential IPs are best when used as static proxies. Since good residential connection is difficult to get by, you will likely want your IP address to stay for as long as you want. Providers usually sell them as such or, at least, provide an option for sticky sessions to hold one IP for longer.
Dynamic residential proxies aren’t the best choice because you are likely to lose a lot of performance. Household connection is simply fast enough to cover for the loss of speed when changing IP addresses.
Datacenter proxies, being much faster, are better than dynamic (also called rotating) proxies. Changing datacenter IPs frequently is proven to improve their legitimacy and help avoid IP bans. Only in rare cases, you might need a static data centre IP, but a static residential IP can transform how you use the internet.
Static proxies: top use cases
- Browsing the internet anonymously is easy with static proxies. You only need to enter your proxy credentials in your operating system or web browser. Using one IP for a longer period ensures smooth performance and fewer suspicions from web servers.
- Bulk purchasing might require you to keep one IP address for a longer period. Static proxies will enable you to keep the same IP address throughout the entire checkout process.
- Web scraping is a process of collecting online data automatically with bots. While dynamic proxies are used here as well, static proxies may be necessary to ensure a stable connection with the target server.
Wrapping up
Although static IP addresses might be easier to track, sometimes you want to shield your identity consistently. Static residential proxies are best for such a purpose. From simple anonymous browsing to advanced web scraping projects, static proxies will transform how you use the internet.