Like Internet Service Providers, VPNs offer dedicated IP addresses to their subscribers. This offers many advantages in addition to the classic VPN features.
IP addresses can be classified according to different criteria: protocol version (IPv4 or IPv6), range (local or public IP), or allocation method (dynamic or dedicated IP).
The vast majority of Internet users use dynamic IP addresses. This is the allocation method used by Internet Service Providers. The same is true for VPN services. A subscriber can, however, opt for a dedicated IP, and this has several advantages.
VPN: What is a dedicated IP address?
VPNs assign IP addresses randomly or according to criteria chosen by the user: specific country or city, connection to the nearest server, connection to the fastest server, etc. The assigned address therefore changes with each connection, knowing that for each country, VPNs generally have many servers.
These VPN servers are also shared by several users and this can have disadvantages. To avoid these, more and more users are opting for dedicated IP addresses.
As the name suggests, a dedicated IP address is assigned to a single user and no other. This address therefore remains the same each time the latter connects by choosing a specific location.
Why choose a dedicated IP address with a VPN?
A dedicated IP address allows you to benefit from all the advantages of VPNs: protection of your browsing data, bypassing geolocation restrictions, protection of your identity (replacing your real IP address with another one), etc.
In addition to these standard features, a dedicated IP offers you several other advantages. First of all, you avoid inconveniences that can be caused by the behavior of other users.
Many sites and online services, for example, add certain IP addresses to a blacklist for the simple reason that they are associated with abuse (spam, brute force attacks, phishing, scraping, etc.).
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video also ban certain shared IPs that are widely used to bypass geographic restrictions.
Banking applications and payment processors also monitor the IP addresses associated with their users' accounts. By regularly connecting with different IP addresses, you risk encountering restrictions or undergoing annoying verification procedures.
In a similar vein, you have probably already undergone anti-robot tests like CAPTCHA, the purpose of which is to combat web abuse. With shared IPs, these controls are much more common. You can avoid them by using a dedicated IP address.
Finally, to manage remote access to their internal applications, some companies limit the IP addresses that can connect to them. They do this by creating a whitelist, or by failing to use a tailor-made VPN. With a dedicated address, you can more easily protect your privacy while accessing your employer's services.
To summarize, here are the advantages of a dedicated IP in the context of VPNs:
- The IP address is assigned to you alone and to no one else
- Enhanced protection of your online activities
- You remain anonymous despite the fixed IP
- You avoid blacklists and blocks that often occur with shared IPs (online services, banking sites, streaming platforms, etc.)
- Easy connection to services sensitive to IP address changes
- You avoid CAPTCHAs and other annoying verification procedures
VPN: how to get a dedicated IP address with Surfshark?
The best VPNs allow users who wish to obtain a dedicated IP address, but this comes at a cost in addition to the subscription price. Surfshark, for example, offers dedicated IP addresses starting at $3.75 per month.
To take advantage of this, you must first have an active subscription. As a reminder, Surfshark VPN is available from €2.19 per month.
- On the Surfshark website, click on My Account at the top right and enter your credentials
- Click on VPN in the left menu, then on Dedicated IP and then Add a plan
- Follow the procedure to the end to purchase a dedicated IP address
Note that, out of the hundred countries offered by Surfshark, you can choose a dedicated IP in 11 countries and 20 cities of your choice.
Features complete Surfshark VPN features.
This article is a sponsored post brought to you by Surfshark
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