Internet Help

What is an Internet Protocol (IP) address?

Computers use IP addresses to locate and talk to each other on the Internet, much the same way people use phone numbers to call someone, street addresses for sending mail, and e-mail addresses to send electronic messages to a specific person. There are two kinds of IP addresses: static and dynamic.

What is a Dynamic IP address?

• A dynamic IP address is a random IP address assigned to your broadband modem each time you connect to the Internet.
• Dynamic IP addresses can change each time you connect to the internet.
• By default, new Qwest® Broadband services are established with dynamic IP addresses (DHCP).

What is a static IP address?

A static IP address is needed when the same IP address is needed by a computer every time it connects to the network. A static IP address is a unique numeric address that identifies your computer on the Internet.

• Static IP addresses are available as an option with Qwest Broadband service after Internet connectivity is established.
• Either a single static IP address can be leased or "blocks" of static IP addresses can be leased. Blocks of static IP addresses come in groups of eight, 16, 32 or 64 IP addresses. A maximum of 64 addresses can be leased for each Qwest Broadband telephone line.
• Qwest, as your Internet Service Provider or "ISP" (the company that provides the means for connecting to the internet), can assign a static IP address to be a permanent address for your Broadband modem.
• Static IP addresses are formatted in four discrete numbered blocks, separated by a period or "dot" (e.g. 123.123.12.1).

Why would I need a static IP address?

You may want to consider a static IP address if you:

• Host your Web site on a computer at your home or office.
• Remotely access your computers over the Internet (e.g., telnet or FTP).
• Are required to have a static IP address for access to a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Learn more about VPNs.

Are static IP addresses available for lease to all Qwest customers?

Static IP addresses are currently available for lease to Qwest.net and Qwestoffice.net customers, located in AZ, CO, ID, IA, MN, MT, NE, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY, and using the following Qwest services:

• Qwest Broadband (High-speed Internet, DSL)
• IDSL
• ISDN (single IP addresses are not compatible with ISDN, only static IP blocks can be leased with ISDN)

Are static IP addresses available to Qwest Broadband customers with MSN® Premium or Qwest with Windows Live™ service?

Not at this time, but we anticipate availability in late-2008.