How to get a 4G static IP address without expensive monthly costs

What is a static IP address?

A static IP address is a permanent Internet Protocol (IP) address assigned to a computer or other network device. Static IP addresses are used by businesses and individuals who require a fixed, unchanging IP address for their devices. Static IP addresses are also helpful for security purposes, as they allow you to restrict access to certain devices on your network, as well as IoT connectivity, remote management and hosting things like your own email server.

An IP address works just like your home address or phone number. It’s a unique number assigned by your internet provider to identify your devices when they’re online, so the network knows where to send data to.

So, if you’re wondering – ‘Is my IP static?’, here’s how you can tell.

Having a static IP address as opposed to a dynamic one, means that this number is fixed – it will never change. If your IP address is always the same then you have a static IP address.

So, how is that different to a dynamic IP address?

A dynamic IP address is a public IP address where the IP address changes. It is usually assigned to a computer by a DHCP server. A computer with a dynamic IP address can have a different IP address each time it connects to the network.

Dynamic IP addresses are often used in residential networks because they allow computers to share a single public IP address. This is more efficient than using static IP addresses for all the computers on the network.

Dynamic IP addresses can also be used in business networks, but they are not as common. Businesses typically use static IP addresses because they are more stable and easier to manage.

Why might you need a 4G static IP address?

Static IP addresses are useful for devices that need to maintain a constant internet connection, like printers or security cameras. A static IP address can also be used to host a website, serve other content from your local network and enable port forwarding.

The main reason for needing a 4G static IP is to remotely access equipment on your network from outside of your premises, such as:

• CCTV equipment
• Email/web/VPN server
• DTA drives
• A Virtual Private Network (VPN)
• SD-WAN service
• IP cameras
• VoIP telephones

Without a static IP in place, any time you need remote access to your devices, you’ll have to find out what your IP address has changed to all over again. Keeping it fixed means keeping it simple!

How can I get a 4G static IP without expensive monthly costs?

Most internet service providers simply offer a 4G static IP SIM card, which are usually costly and represent poor value for money. It is virtually impossible to get a decent data allowance on a fixed IP SIM card that is not attached to an extremely high monthly fee.

What is fixed IP SIM card?

A fixed IP SIM card is a SIM card that provides a static, unchanging IP address to the device it is inserted into, enabling reliable remote access. This is in contrast to traditional mobile SIM cards, which provide devices with dynamic IP addresses that can change from time to time. Fixed IP SIM cards are often used in industrial or business settings where a reliable and stable IP address is required.

Cons of fixed IP data SIM cards

They are very expensive

Fixed IP SIM cards are more expensive than traditional mobile SIM cards per month. This is because the service is more specialized and requires additional infrastructure. The monthly costs are often extremely high for very small amounts of data.

If you lose or damage the card, you may have to pay to replace it

If you lose or damage your fixed IP SIM card, you will likely have to pay to replace it. This can be a significant expense, particularly if you are on a limited budget.

Data limits

Fixed IP SIM cards have strict data limits per month set by the mobile provider, such as Three UK. This means that if you use more than the allotted amount of data, you may be charged high fees per month for overage data usage.

It can be difficult to find a compatible device

Not all devices are compatible with fixed IP SIM cards. This means that you may have to purchase a new device in order to use the service.

No Unlimited option

Unlimited fixed IP SIM cards are not available for purchase. This means that you will have to be very careful about your data usage in order to avoid overage charges even on the best deals.

What do FreeClix do differently?

As the master distributor of SimRush, we can solve these problems with a really clever solution.

SimRush uses a different methodology for its static IP, using its own 4G LTE/5G connection or any combination of the auxiliary connections you are using at your location such as broadband, satellite or a leased line.

The 4G static IP address comes from the FreeClix datacentre based in the UK and is presented directly to the SimRush Controller, your indoor primary router & firewall. This means you don’t need a fixed IP SIM – you can use any SIM card you like!

So, we can provide you with an unlimited 4G fixed IP solution, with cheap monthly costs! What’s not to love? It’s perfect for a business broadband package.

Get a fixed IP to remotely view CCTV equipment

What do I need from FreeClix?

In order to get a fixed public IP address from FreeClix, you have two options. Either you need a SimRush device and a normal SIM card, or you can get a SimRush EZ IP device, which doesn’t require a SIM card and will work with your existing connection.

Normal SimRush Range

We have a range of SimRush 4G/5G hardware available ranging from small one-box devices for quick, temporary connectivity to two-part systems for primary broadband connections.

FreeClix also provides unlimited data SIM cards from Vodafone, O2 and EE. We have great tariff options available. If you get your SIM card through us, you will get the relevant contract and your SimRush Product Licence funded. If you choose to provide your own SIM card, there is a small monthly or annual fee to pay for your licence. Find out more about what the SimRush product licence is here.

1 x SimRush Device

1 x Normal SIM card

1 x SimRush Licence

1 x SimRush Static IP address

Why is this better than using a static IP SIM card?

Other than the obvious cost advantage, the SimRush static IP service also has a few more key benefits you should be aware of.

As the static IP service is presented to the router and not the connection (unlike most traditional IP solutions), it is independent of the external links to the internet that the SimRush controller will have utilised in order to reach the public internet. Therefore, in the case of a dual WAN set up, the same IP address will be maintained even if the system needs to fall back on the failover connection.

The fixed IP addresses we provide are completely carrier independent, which means they re-establish themselves over any connection remaining a constant static public IP address that can be reached from anywhere in the world. 

SimRush EZ IP

This hardware-based solution offers a Static IP address completely independent of your carrier network. It integrates seamlessly with any router and any type of internet connection, requiring no modifications to the user’s existing LAN or firewall.

The solution operates independently of the external connections used by your primary broadband router and firewall to access the internet. The Static Public IP address applies to all outbound traffic, allowing easy management of port-forwarding rules, Access Control Lists (ACLs), and DHCP configurations.

A SimRush Static Public IP Address is provided from our London-based data center and is directly assigned to the Easy IP device.

It can be used with these types of connections:

• FTTx (SoGEA / FTTC / FTTP)
• Starlink
• 4G / 5G Carriers
• Leased Line
• Satellite Broadband

What are the benefits of having a static IP?

There are several benefits when you buy a static IP address.

Increased security

One benefit is that it can help increase the security of your computer or network. A static IP is a private IP address that only you and your provider will know.

Easier to set up devices

Makes it easier to set up certain types of equipment, such as printers or servers.