Effective management of IoT devices remotely is one of the major challenges for IoT stakeholders. Optimal accessibility is essential to keep the equipment operational, ensuring a high-performing and secure connectivity at all times. To achieve this, two options are available: public static IP or private static IP.
Using a public static IP allows easier access to devices through an internet connection. However, it may incur significant costs for a large volume of connected devices and limited security due to its exposure on the internet.
The alternative is using a private static IP. A private static IP is an IP address that is not accessible on the internet. Also known as an internal or local IP address, it is used on a private local network, assigning connected devices an IP address that remains the same with every connection.
Stability, accessibility, security, simplicity, interconnectivity… Here are 4 advantages of a private static IP for optimized management of your IoT devices.
Advantage #1: The Private Static IP is Constant and Promotes Permanent Connectivity to your Devices
By definition, a private static IP remains constant. This means that devices connected to this address maintain the same identity on the network. This simplifies the configuration and management of devices, especially for servers, network equipment, or IoT devices that require permanent connectivity.
The Private Static IP Enhances the Accessibility of All Devices Connected to the Local Network
With a private static IP, each device on your local network is assigned a unique private static IP address. This is a private network address. Each device connected to your local network has a specific IP address that can only be seen by other devices on the same network. This enables devices within the same network to communicate with each other without connecting to the internet, ensuring better security for your IoT infrastructure.
With a private static IP address, devices can be easily accessed from other devices on the local network. This is particularly useful for tasks such as remote server access, file sharing, or using internal communication services.
Remote Access and Private Static IP: A Concrete Example
Let’s take the example of an international operator of electric vehicle charging stations (CPO). This operator uses private static IP addresses to remotely manage the charging stations they operate. They are able to make configuration changes or perform diagnostics remotely, without the need to send a technician or engineer to the site.
Advantage #2: Easily Configure Your Devices and Network Services with a Private Static IP
Using a private static IP address simplifies the configuration of devices and network services. Indeed, the static IP allows you to reach your equipment permanently. The private aspect reduces the cybersecurity risk, as the address is not visible from the internet.
Why Choose a Private Static IP for Configuring Your Routing and Firewalls?
When configuring routing or firewall rules, it is easier to refer to static IP addresses rather than dynamic IP addresses assigned by DHCP, for instance.
Easily Configure Your Infrastructure with the All-in-One HâpyCo Solution
Let’s take the example of an industrial installation and maintenance company. Its team is mainly composed of operations managers and installers. Therefore, it lacks internal expertise to remotely manage the configuration and performance of its automation systems. Here, the HâpyCo solution from Hâpy Services helped achieve three objectives:
- Simple Plug & Play implementation.
- Fine-tuning performed remotely by Hâpy Services’ managed service team.
• Operational within J+2.
Advantage #3: With Private Static IP, Benefit from Enhanced Security
A private static IP address can help strengthen the security of your network of devices. Since private static IPs allow connected devices within the same network to communicate with each other without needing to connect to the internet, it becomes more difficult for external users to establish a connection. This enhances security within your local network.
Private Static IPs and Traceability
Can a private static IP address be traced? The answer is yes, but only by other devices connected to the same network. Unlike a public IP address used by your router to connect your devices to the internet, private static IPs are not visible on the internet. This significantly strengthens the security of your network and limits the traceability of your devices and data.
By using static IP addresses for specific services, it becomes easier to implement firewall rules and control access to these services. Furthermore, it allows restricting access to specific IP addresses, thereby enhancing the overall security of the network.
Private Static IP and Internet Access
However, it is important to note that private static IP addresses are not accessible from the internet and are limited to a local network or a virtual private network (VPN). To allow access from the internet, it is often necessary to use network address translation (NAT) techniques or configure public IP addresses.
Advantage #4: Protect Yourself from DDoS Attacks
Protection against DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks is a central issue for any cellular infrastructure. DDoS attacks can have serious consequences on the availability and quality of telecommunications services by overwhelming network resources due to the large number of simultaneous requests. The use of private static IP addresses is one of the solutions that allows IoT infrastructure operators to protect themselves from DDoS attacks by enhancing the performance and reliability of internal communications.
DDoS Attacks Without Private Static IP Address: What Are the Risks ?
- Network Integrity: DDoS attacks can be used to disrupt or damage network equipment, leading to costly hardware failures and extended downtime.
- Loss of Revenue: Service operators may face significant financial losses due to service unavailability, loss of dissatisfied customers, and costs associated with excessive data consumption.
- Operator Reputation: Successful DDoS attacks can harm the service operator’s reputation, which can be detrimental in the long term in terms of customer trust and market credibility.
- Data Security: DDoS attacks can also serve as a distraction for more sophisticated attacks, such as attempts to steal confidential data or compromise the network.
DDoS Attacks and Private Static IP Address: What Are the Benefits ?
Protection against DDoS attacks is one of the main reasons businesses turn to private static IP addresses for their IoT infrastructure. These attacks can slow down or even bring down your ecosystem, potentially causing revenue loss.
Using private static IP addresses significantly strengthens the security of your network and data. Devices can communicate with each other without connecting to the internet, which greatly limits the traceability of your equipment by external users.
Discover the HâpyCo solution to connect your infrastructure with performance, security, and reliability
With Hâpy Services, manage your IoT infrastructure with a solution tailored to your operational needs and enjoy a secure, accessible, and high-performance service:
- The server sees all remote devices as if they were on the LAN.
- Devices are no longer visible on the internet.
- No overconsumption due to DDoS attacks.
