About Starlink Static IP: Due to its speed and reliability, Starlink may be the best satellite internet service provider in remote global areas.
But what about when it comes to services like port forwarding or using a private server securely?
Does Starlink offer a routable public IP to facilitate directing traffic to specific devices and enable the services above?
This guide will discuss the Starlink static IP, see whether it exists, and find applicable alternatives.
What is a Static IP Address?
To understand a Static IP, let’s first know what an IP address is. An IP address is a unique number that identifies a device within a network such as the Internet.
This identifier helps devices communicate with each other and lets the server know which device sent which request.
Now, an IP address is said to be static when it remains unchanged for the lifetime of that particular connection.
A static IP address is vital in business devices such as business firewalls, servers, and other infrastructures that provide critical functions.
Using a static IP address helps router traffic quickly and prevents malicious attacks.
It also helps identify a malfunctioning or attacked device within a network and troubleshoot accordingly.
Additionally, it allows access to devices remotely and shares data securely within a network, among other functions.
What Are the Differences Between Dynamic and Static IP Addresses?
The main difference between static and dynamic IP addresses is that the latter keeps changing, and the former remains constant.
ISPs use DHCP, such as your Starlink router or other programs, to automatically assign Dynamic IP addresses through a lease.
The DHCP device assigns the IP address while the lease is active, and once it expires, the IP address changes.
On the other hand, you assign static IP addresses manually, although there are instances you can set your DHCP to assign static reservations.
Dynamic IP addresses are typically used in residential internet services due to their ease of management and affordability.
Conversely, as we said before, static IP addresses are used by business devices and servers requiring a predictable and consistent IP.
While static IPs prevent network penetration, dynamic IPs are more secure since they are active for a limited period, making them hard to track.
Another difference is Static IP facilitates traffic routing or forwarding, while in dynamic IPs, you can’t be able to forward traffic.
Dynamic and static IP address concept
Can You Get Static IP addresses on Starlink?
Unfortunately, Starlink does not offer static IP addresses in any of their subscription plans.
However, they have a routable dynamic IP address in their business and maritime plans, which acts as a Static IP.
Why Does Starlink not assign Static IP to Standard/Residential?
Like most other ISPs, Starlink can usually not assign static IP addresses to their standard plans.
For starters, the globe mostly uses IPv4, which is scarce, making it expensive to acquire.
Therefore, Starlink, like any other ISP, uses CGNAT technology to assign its limited IPv4 addresses to several customers dynamically.
While this technology prevents port forwarding, it allows several customers to use one public IP address while retaining their private IP addresses.
Additionally, Starlink sees public-facing static IP addresses as vulnerable to attacks due to their constant nature.
However, you can still get a routable public IP address if you sign up for the Starlink priority plan.
But note that this public IP address may not necessarily be static and can change depending on Starlink’s discretion.
How to Switch Starlink IP Address to Public
By default, your Starlink router comes set to a private IP address. However, if you are using the maritime or business plan, you can set it to public IP using the steps below:
- Use your laptop browser to visit the Starlink website and log into your account.
- While on the page menu, select the Dashboard tab at the top
- Now scroll and select All Starlink, and proceed to click Manage
- Locate the IP Policy and click the Pencil icon next to it
- Locate the Public IP from the resulting drop-down menu and click it
- Now, save and reboot your Starlink router, and you are done.
Alternatives
If you can’t afford the business or the maritime plan, you can use the following alternatives to get a routable public address:
Using a VPN Service
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that helps you secure your network over the internet.
Apart from giving your internet activities security and anonymity, the VPN also offers a fixed public IP option.
Additionally, the technology also allows you to access geo-locked content. All you need to do is identify your preferred VPN service, such as NordVPN and PureVPN.
Then, download the VPN software on your device and pay the required subscription fee.
Finally, configure your VPN, set your preferred geographical location, whitelist static IP address, and connect.
Ensure you choose a VPN with a static IP offering and connect to the nearest server to minimize speed and latency issues.
How VPN works
Using IPv6
While IPv4 has limited addresses, IPv6 is an upgrade with trillion IP addresses. However, many ISPs have yet to adopt it fully, although it has been around for years.
Using this IP technology ensures each of your devices has its own unique, static, and routable public address.
The good news is that Starlink has adopted the technology in its modern routers, but the older models lack it.
However, the company has yet to implement IPv6, so it may not work now.
IPv6 representation
Conclusion
While Starlink is an excellent internet in rural areas, it does not allow static IP, which can pose a problem to gamers and startups.
As time passes and the adoption of IPv6 globally takes effect, we can only hope it starts offering the service soon. In the meantime, you can navigate the challenge using a quality VPN service.