What is static IP address?

Published Sep 02, 2024

What is a Static IP Address?

A static IP address is a fixed IP address that does not change over time. Unlike dynamic IP addresses, which can change periodically, static IP addresses remain constant. This consistency makes static IP addresses ideal for applications that require reliable, consistent access points.

 

Why Do We Need a Static IP to Run an Application?

Static IP addresses are mandatory if you need your application to be accessible from a static URL, such as www.appsbee.com/your-application. They provide a consistent access point, ensuring that users can reliably reach your application. Static IPs are provided by server companies such as AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure.

 

Benefits of Using a Static IP Address

1. Consistency: Static IP addresses provide a reliable point of access, crucial for services that need to be consistently accessible.
2. Domain Name Resolution: With a static IP, you can point your domain name to a fixed address, ensuring that users can always reach your application without interruption.
3. Remote Access: Static IPs facilitate remote access to servers and other resources, as the IP address does not change.
4. Security: Static IP addresses can enhance security by allowing the implementation of IP-based access controls and firewall rules.
5. SSL Certificates: Some SSL certificates require a static IP address to ensure consistent encryption.

How to Point a Domain to a Static IP from GoDaddy

To point your domain registered with GoDaddy to a static IP address, follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Obtain a Static IP Address

If you are using AWS, you can obtain a static IP address by allocating an Elastic IP address and associating it with your EC2 instance.

1.1 Allocate an Elastic IP Address in AWS

1. Log in to the AWS Management Console.
2. Navigate to the EC2 Dashboard.
3. In the left-hand menu, under Network & Security, click Elastic IPs.
4. Click Allocate Elastic IP address.
5. Click Allocate to obtain a new Elastic IP address.

1.2 Associate the Elastic IP Address with Your EC2 Instance

1. Select the newly allocated Elastic IP address.
2. Click Actions -> Associate Elastic IP address.
3. Select the instance or network interface you want to associate with the Elastic IP address.
4. Click Associate.

Step 2: Log in to Your GoDaddy Account

1. Go to the GoDaddy website and log in to your account.
2. Navigate to the My Products page to view your domain names.

Step 3: Access DNS Management

1. Locate the domain you want to configure and click DNS next to it. This will take you to the DNS Management page.

Step 4: Add or Update the A Record

1. In the DNS Management page, locate the Records section.
2. To point your domain to the static IP, you need to create or update an A (Address) record.

4.1 Create a New A Record

1. Click Add to create a new DNS record.
2. Choose A from the Type dropdown.
3. Enter the following details:
   • Host: Enter @ to point the root domain (example.com) or www to point www.example.com.
   • Points to: Enter the Elastic IP address you obtained from AWS.
   • TTL (Time to Live): Set a TTL value such as 600 seconds (10 minutes) for quicker propagation.
4. Click Save to create the record.

4.2 Update an Existing A Record

1. If an A record already exists, click the Pencil icon next to it to edit.
2. Update the Points to field with the Elastic IP address.
3. Click Save to apply the changes.

Step 5: Verify the DNS Propagation

DNS changes can take some time to propagate across the Internet. You can use various tools to check if the DNS records have been updated correctly.

Tools to Verify DNS Propagation

1. WhatsMyDNS.net: Enter your domain name to see the current DNS records from various locations around the world.
2. nslookup: Use the nslookup command in your terminal or command prompt to query the DNS records.

Example:

nslookup example.com

 

Example: Pointing a Domain to an Elastic IP Using GoDaddy

Assume you have obtained an Elastic IP address of 198.51.100.1 from AWS and you want to point your domain example.com to this IP address.

Step-by-Step Example

1. Log in to GoDaddy: Access your GoDaddy account and navigate to the DNS Management page for example.com.
2. Add/Edit A Record:
   • Host: @
   • Points to: 198.51.100.1
   • TTL: 600
3. Save Changes: Save the new or updated A record to point your domain to the Elastic IP address.
4. Verify DNS: Use tools like WhatsMyDNS.net or nslookup to verify that the DNS changes have propagated.

Using AWS CLI to Allocate and Associate Elastic IP

For those who prefer using the AWS CLI, here are the commands to allocate and associate an Elastic IP address.

Allocate an Elastic IP

sh

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aws ec2 allocate-address --domain vpc

 

Associate the Elastic IP with an Instance

aws ec2 associate-address --instance-id i-0123456789abcdef0 --allocation-id eipalloc-01234567

 

A static IP address is essential if you need your application to be accessible from a static URL, such as www.appsbee.com/your-application. Static IPs are provided by server companies like AWS, GCP, and Azure. Pointing a domain to a static IP address ensures that users can reliably access your application using a memorable domain name. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily configure your domain registered with GoDaddy to point to an Elastic IP address obtained from AWS. This setup is crucial for maintaining accessibility, enhancing security, and ensuring a seamless user experience.