Static IPs for Business: Features and Setup
Static vs. Dynamic IP Addresses
An IP address is a unique number that identifies a device on the internet, allowing it to send and receive data. In a business, this number could identify a server, a specific computer, or your entire network.
- Static IP: A permanent address that stays the same. Great for hosting services or managing remote access.
- Dynamic IP: The default for most internet connections. It changes from time to time but works perfectly for everyday use.
When Your Business Requires Static IPs
For most businesses, dynamic IPs are more than enough. You can browse, send emails, video chat, and run cloud-based apps without needing static IPs.
You might need static IPs if you:
- Host your own web or email servers onsite
- Run a VPN for remote employees
- Have systems that require fixed IP connections instead of domain names
You likely don't need static IPs if you:
- Have a third party host your website
- Only need internet for browsing, email, and apps
Get and Manage Static IPs with GFiber
Adding static IPs to your plan
Static IPs are a feature available exclusively for our business customers. They can be added to GFiber Business and Community Connections plans (for select local nonprofit organizations). When you sign up, you can choose a plan with 0, 1, 5, or 13 static IP addresses — you’ll see the options when selecting your service.
Once your service is installed and activated, we’ll send you an email titled: “Your GFiber Static IP addresses are ready.”
It will include:
- Your assigned IP addresses
- Setup instructions
- A link to example configurations
Changing your static IP plan
You can update your plan at any time:
- Change your service using the GFiber App or your online account
- Or contact us and we’ll help make the change
What to expect when you make changes
- When you add static IPs, you’ll get an email with your assigned IPs in about four hours
- Your bill will be prorated to the date the changes were made
- Removing IPs will reflect on your next bill
- You may have a brief service interruption (under five minutes) while your plan updates
Will my static IPs change?
Your static IPs stay the same even if you:
- Replace or upgrade your router
- Change other network equipment
- Troubleshoot your network
Your primary IP only changes if:
- You move to a new location
- You remove static IPs from your plan
Even if you upgrade your plan (for example, from one to five static IPs), your original IP address will stay the same.
Technical Requirements and Compatibility
To use static IPs with GFiber, here’s what you need to know:
- WAN DHCP is required: Your router must use DHCP to get its WAN IP. Manually assigning the IP will cause connection issues.
- Multiple static IPs require your own router: GFiber-provided routers don’t support multiple static IPs. You’ll need to bring your own router that supports secondary subnets or VLANs.
- Security stays in place: Assigning static IPs won’t affect your firewall or security protocols. Your existing protections will work as expected.
How to Configure a Static IP Network
Choose the setup method that fits your business:
Best for: Simple setups with one server or service.
Use port forwarding in the GFiber app or your online account to direct internet traffic to your device.
Best for: Businesses with existing network equipment.
Set up port forwarding using your router’s own interface. Instructions vary by model — check your router documentation or ask your IT expert.
Best for: Advanced setups with multiple servers.
GFiber routers don’t support multiple static IPs — so you’ll need your own compatible router.
Follow our use your own router with GFiber Business guide if you haven’t already.
Then check out our example configurations for static IPs for step-by-step diagrams.
Understanding your IP allocation
When you get a block of static IPs, we assign one extra IP address to act as a gateway for your network.
Example:
- You order: 5 static IPs
- You receive: a /29 subnet (6 total IPs)
- Breakdown: 1 gateway IP + 5 usable IPs
Configuring your router
- Set up a secondary subnet on your router's LAN interface (via a secondary address or VLAN)
- Assign the gateway IP to your router — it will act as the default gateway
- Assign the remaining static IPs directly to each server or device
Pointing your domain
If you're hosting services (like a website or email server), update your DNS records with your domain provider to point to your new GFiber static IPs.
Optional: Set Up Reverse DNS (rDNS)
Running a service that requires reverse DNS? rDNS maps your IP address back to a domain name — this helps verify your identity and can keep emails out of spam folders.
To set up reverse DNS, contact us with:
- Your assigned static IP address
- The domain you’d like to associate with it