What is a static IP address?
Normally a user is given an unused IP number that is his to use during the duration of that session, and then is put back in the pool of unused numbers when the session is ended. This means that the user will not generally get the same IP number twice. For some users, their application (many times games) requires that they know their IP number, and so they request a ‘static’ IP number. This means they have a permanent IP number and hostname that they use every time they get on the internet.
Put simply, an IP (or Internet Protocol) Address is a unique number that identifies your computer on a network or the internet. Every computer connected to the web has an IP address which is how it can communicate with other machines to send and receive information (like e-mails, web pages or file downloads). Most internet service providers will randomly assign you a different IP address every time you connect to the internet. This is know as having a Dynamic IP Address. Alternatively, a Static IP Address means that you have the same unique address every time you connect to the internet.
IP address stands for: Internet Packet address. When you connect to the Internet, your PC needs a unique identifier. This is accomplished by assigning an IP address to your PC. This address enables your PC to be seen and identified on the Internet. It is important for you to have a static (the same address each time) IP address every time you connect. This will assist with connections over the Internet for PCAnywhere, NetMeeting, games, chat, I-Phone, etc.