Dedicated IP Definition

A dedicated IP is an IP address assigned to a single customer, server, or service. It doesn’t rotate between different users like a shared IP, so the identity tied to that address stays consistent.

It can be assigned by a hosting provider, internet service provider (ISP), or VPN service. While many websites and services share IP addresses to conserve limited IPv4 space, a dedicated IP gives one user exclusive use of that address.

How Dedicated IP Works

A provider assigns one IP address to a single account or service. In most cases, all traffic sent to that address is directed to the same destination. However, in some modern cloud environments, the traffic doesn’t land on just one physical server. Instead, the IP usually points to a load balancer or reverse proxy, which then spreads the traffic across multiple backend servers.

The IP address remains the same unless the provider changes it. That consistency matters because many systems treat an IP address like a rough “source label.” When the label stays the same, it’s easier to build rules around it (for example, allow access from this IP, block that IP, trust this sender, etc.). Sharing the label allows other people's activity to influence how websites, services, or email filters treat that IP.

Common Uses of a Dedicated IP

• IP allowlisting: Limits access to tools, dashboards, or networks to a specific IP address.
• Email sending: Controls sender reputation without being affected by other users on a shared IP.
• Hosting: Supports applications that require a fixed public IP address.
• Remote work access: Gives employees access to internal tools using IP-based rules.
• APIs and firewall rules: Maintain stable security configurations that rely on a consistent IP.
• VPNs: Use the same external IP address each time a VPN connects.

Pros of a Dedicated IP

• Fewer reputation issues: Reduces exposure to other users’ activity on a shared IP.
• Simpler access rules: Makes IP-based login and security rules easier to enforce.
• Less spam emails: Prevents shared-IP spam from affecting legitimate senders.
• More predictable access: Keeps login systems and remote connections stable over time.
• Better isolation: Separates traffic from unrelated users.

Cons of a Dedicated IP

• Higher cost: Tends to cost more than a shared IP address.
• Reputation responsibility: Can affect the IP’s reputation if any abuse or poor sending practices are detected.
• No speed boost: Doesn’t improve website performance on its own.
• IPv4 scarcity: Can affect pricing and access due to limited availability.
• Limited necessity: Isn’t always needed as most modern websites work securely on shared IPs using HTTPS with Server Name Indication (SNI).

Read More

• What Is a Class A IP Address?
• What Is an Elastic IP Address?
• What Is SSL Encryption?

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