Static IP Addresses on BT Business Broadband

Static vs dynamic IP addresses

Every internet connection has a public IP address: the number the rest of the internet uses to reach you. BT explains the two types like this:

• Dynamic IP addresses can change, so your connection may get a different address at different times. That is fine for most browsing, email and cloud apps, and lets many devices share limited address space.
• Static IP addresses stay the same. Anything that needs to find your connection, or recognise it, can rely on that address.

BT says both types come with an IPv4 address and an IPv6 prefix. Most businesses that only use cloud services do not need a static IP. The ones that do usually know it, because a supplier, an IT provider or a piece of equipment has asked for one.

When a static IP helps

BT lists several reasons a business might choose a static IP, and we add one more that we hear about often (allow-listing). In practice they fall into a few groups:

• Remote access and VPNs: connecting into the office from home or another site, or accessing a VPN from several computers through one broadband connection.
• Cameras and security systems: centrally managed CCTV and some security applications expect to reach a fixed address.
• Servers and hosting: running your own email server, file server, website or FTP hosting, or off-site server duplication.
• Allow-listing: some cloud services, banking platforms and supplier portals only accept logins from approved IP addresses.
• Fewer address changes: BT notes there is a risk of downtime when a new dynamic address is allocated; a static IP avoids that.

If none of these apply, you can usually leave it out. If you are unsure, ask whoever looks after your IT or line-of-business software. We are happy to join that conversation.

Static IPs on each BT plan

BT says support for static IP addresses is not available on Ultra. If you rely on a static IP today, Pro or Enhanced is the better fit; our Ultra vs Pro comparison covers the other differences.

BT's No NAT range of five addresses

One address is enough for most small businesses. If you need several devices to be directly reachable on the internet, BT offers a No NAT (no network address translation) range of five static IP addresses that can be assigned to separate devices.

BT explains how it works: the range is delivered against your broadband username and password, through a separate dynamic address that acts as the carrier for your connection. Once connected, you assign the five static addresses to your own network devices so each has its own fixed public address. BT's Smart Hub 3 help includes a guide to assigning multiple static IP addresses on the hub.

BT suggests No NAT for businesses that want to host a website, email server or file server on their own equipment, set up a VPN between offices, or use certain conferencing applications. In most small offices a single static IP with port forwarding or a VPN on the firewall does the job; No NAT is for setups that genuinely need several public addresses.

Things to check before you order

A few points catch people out:

• You cannot bring your current static IP. BT says static IP addresses cannot be moved between internet service providers, so switching to BT means a new address. Plan for updating anything that refers to the old one: firewall rules, supplier allow-lists, DNS records, camera apps and VPN settings.
• Static IPs follow your login. BT applies static IP addresses based on your broadband username and password, so the router should be set to obtain an address automatically with the correct connection details. When your IP option changes, BT's advice is to disconnect and reconnect so the hub picks up the new settings. Ask what happens to your addresses before changing plan or access type; see upgrading your broadband.
• Your own router needs the right settings. If you use your own router or firewall, it must set up the connection with BT's username and password so the static IP is delivered. See using your own router.
• Moving premises. Check what happens to your static IP when you move before you set a date; see moving premises.

If you are switching from another provider, our switching guide lists what to gather first, including your existing static IP addresses and where they are used.

How to find and use your static IP

BT includes the static IP address in your welcome letter or email if you ordered it with your broadband. If you cannot find it, any "what is my IP" website shows your current public address from a device on the business network.

Common next steps once you have it:

1. Give it to whoever needs it: your IT provider, software supplier or bank, so they can allow-list it.
2. Set up port forwarding or a VPN on the hub or your firewall for the services you want to reach from outside. BT's Smart Hub 3 help has guides on port forwarding and using a VPN with the hub.
3. Point DNS records at it if you are hosting a service yourself.
4. Lock it down. A fixed address is easier to find, so only open the ports you need and use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication on anything exposed.

A worked example: cameras and remote access

A common request is a small business with CCTV and a couple of staff who work from home. Here is how a static IP fits:

• The cameras: the recorder sits on the business network. With a static IP, the camera app or monitoring service can be pointed at one fixed address, with only the ports it needs forwarded on the hub or firewall.
• Home workers: a VPN on the firewall or hub lets staff connect into the office securely. The VPN client is set up once with the static address and does not need changing.
• Supplier portals: the accounting or banking platform can allow-list the office address so logins from elsewhere are refused.
• Backup: on Enhanced or Pro, BT says the static IP keeps working on Hybrid Backup, so remote access is not lost when the fixed line has a fault.

The same set-up on a dynamic address would rely on dynamic DNS and break whenever the address changed. That is the practical case for a static IP: fewer moving parts for the things that need to find you. We can talk this through with you or your IT provider before you order, so the right plan and address option are on the quote.

Static IP, broadband or a leased line?

A static IP on broadband suits remote access, cameras and allow-listing for a small team. If you are hosting busy services, need symmetrical upload speeds, or want a stronger service level for the connection itself, a leased line may be the better step. For how static addressing works on BT's leased line service, see IP addresses on a BTnet leased line and our guide on when to upgrade from broadband to a leased line.

Getting a static IP through Forever Communications

We help you work out whether you need a static IP or a No NAT range, recommend whether to add one to Essential or choose Enhanced or Pro, and include it in the order so it is in place when the line goes live. Pricing is confirmed at quote. Contact us about static IPs on BT Business Broadband.