Shared IP Addresses A Closer Look

More About Shared IP Addresses

Within Internet connectivity, IP addresses are names that digitizing devices communicate with each other by. Many people are accustomed to static and dynamic IP addresses, but fewer are probably familiar with shared IP addresses.

What is a Shared IP Addresses?

An IP address shared with many devices on a network Draft is a shared IP address. This is also the case with home and small business internet. Routers usually share one public IP address when many devices are connected to the internet behind a single router.

How?

NAT(National address translation): A router with NAT functionality converts the private IP addresses of the devices on the network to one public IP address.

• Packet Routing: In cases where a device on the network wants something from the internet, the router swaps the device private IP address with the shared public IP address of the router.
• Response And Return When the response returns over the internet, the router uses the public IP address to identify its destination device on the network and sends the packet there.

Pros of Shared IP Addresses

• Less expensive a shared IP address does not cost anything additional from the ISP
• Simplified Network Maintenance: A single public IP minimizes network overhead.

Cons of Shared IP Addresses

• Security Threats If one device gets hacked, other devices also get hacked.
• Restricted Remote Access: Since the public IP address is common, accessing the devices on the network remotely may be difficult.
• Restriction based on IP: Few online services may prevent users from accessing it based on IP address and this could affect all devices connected on the network.

Workarounds

Resolving the Problems With Shared IP Addresses:

• Robust security policies: Use proper security measures, including robust passwords on connected devices, firewalls, and frequent software patching.
• VPN: With a VPN, you will have a more private and secure internet connection and you will be able to bypass IP-based restrictions.
• Dynamic DNS: Dynamic DNS services are designed to help you access your computer remotely on a new IP address by mapping a domain name to the public IP address that is shared.
• Learn Some More: Getting a Static IP Address: If you plan on accessing your home computer a lot remotely, ever have security measures that restrict access based on the IP, or if some of the websites/servers you are using have security measures that only allow access to a certain IP address, a static IP address might be a good option.

To conclude, shared IPs are the way various devices access the web. They’re cheaper and simpler but just mind the risks and the limitations.