IP Addresses with broadband products

This article applies to our broadband products. Dial-up customers need to read our guide to IP Addresses with dial-up products.

1. Static or Dynamic IP
2. Using a Static IP on dial-up
3. Requesting an IP Block

Static or Dynamic IP

Connecting to the Internet requires that your computer be assigned a unique address number, called an IP (Internet Protocol) Address. There are two ways that your IP Address can be assigned:

Static Assignment - Your computer or router is given the same address whenever it is connected to the Internet.

Dynamic Assignment - Your computer or router is given an address from an available pool each time you connect.

The type of IP that you get depends on your account type. The table below indicates the type of IP each account type comes with by default.

Account Type	Default IP Address	Optional alternative
Broadband Your Way (all options)	Dynamic	Static
Broadband Premier & PAYG	Static	N/A
Broadband Plus & Broadband Basic	Dynamic	N/A
Business & Small Business	Static	N/A

Broadband customers
All broadband customers are automatically assigned a dynamic IP, apart from Broadband Premier, Broadband PAYG and business products which are assigned a static IP.

Using a Static IP on dial-up
Dial-up customers are not automatically assigned a static IP address, but can opt to have one if they have a subscription based account.

Possible reasons for using a static IP address with a dial-up account:

• connecting through a firewall
• hosting own email or game server
• access private networks
• connect to your computer from almost any Internet connection with remote access software

Please note: Only use a static IP if necessary. Using the same IP address each time you connect may expose you to security vulnerabilities. To be safe secure a firewall.

1. Log into the Member Centre, click Connection Settings > Control Your Broadband > Change IP Settings.

Note: This only applies to Broadband Your Way options - In your operating system, the TCP/IP configuration for your PlusNet dial-up connection must be set to Server Assigned IP Address or Obtain an IP address automatically (depending on your OS). See diagram below for an example.

Consult the Windows Help Wizard for more information on TCP/IP configuration.

Unfortuantely, multiple static IP addresses cannot be assigned to dialup accounts.
Also note; if you deactivate your static IP address, it's unlikely you'll be assigned the same address if you reactivate.

Requesting an IP block

If you need a block of IPs, this can be provided free of charge as long as you have one of the following account types:

• Broadband Your Way
• Broadband Premier
• Broadband Pay As You Go
• Any Business Broadband Product

To get an IP block you need to prove to us that you cannot meet your requirements using one IP with network address translation (NAT) and port forwarding.

IP blocks of 4, 8 or 16 IP addresses can be allocated.

For 8 or 16 IP blocks you must complete a Ripe form. You can find a Ripe form generator on the PlusNet Usertools website

Once you have completed your Ripe form, or to request 4 IPs, please use the Help Assistant