Static IP

[donataz]

hello, im still uncertain when it comes to Static IP adress. Does EE provide me with one if I asked? As I see other broadband providers do. Having a small home server I need access to a static IP, have been with EE for some years now really loved the service up to this point, will be a shame if I have to move on. I saw the option on the router, but not sure if it works

[Pippincp]

@IT-4BusyPeople  I wouldn't worry about the OP, he obviously has his own agenda.

[IT-4BusyPeople]

@Pippincp - It was more I was wanting to let people know there are solutions to the static IP address problem (on both fixed broadband and 4G), which has cropped here a few times.

I was prompted to find a more permanent solution recently, due to unexpected changes in ways of working which required a more stable inbound connection solution than that provided by either a static public IP address associated with a specific line/SIM or by using DDNS to manage changing public dynamic IP addresses (fixed line and mobile), which also revealed the difference between Three's 3G mobile broadband (public dynamic IP address) and EE's consumer/business 4G (private dynamic IP address, CGNAT and 4G dongles presenting the WAN address as 192.168.8.1).

FYI, my agenda is driven more by "the instructions on the tin" not being complete and things not working due to some undocumented 'feature'.  

[PM4]

I was prompted to find a more permanent solution recently, due to unexpected changes in ways of working which required a more stable inbound connection solution than that provided by either a static public IP address associated with a specific line/SIM or by using DDNS to manage changing public dynamic IP addresses (fixed line and mobile), which also revealed the difference between Three's 3G mobile broadband (public dynamic IP address) and EE's consumer/business 4G (private dynamic IP address, CGNAT and 4G dongles presenting the WAN address as 192.168.8.1).

Hello IT-4 , I was interested to read what you say here because of my interactions in this thread.  

CGNAT is preventing me using DDNS to manage and view  IP Cams within a local network when remote via WAN (I'm using an EE 4G router).

You seem to be suggesting here:

Go with an overlay solution such as A&A's L2TP-VPN which will give you a static IP address, but will require your router to be configured to maintain an outbound L2TP-VPN connection. (Aside: this approach currently also works over EE's mobile broadband, so could be useful if you want a backup in case the fixed broadband service breaks...)

that there is a potential solution even retaining an EE connection.  Have I understood correctly?

[IT-4BusyPeople]

Hi PM4,

Yes you understand correctly.

The A&A L2TP-VPN is available in personal and business versions and can be provisioned online in an hour or so.

I used a Draytek Vigor 2860n router with an Huawei E3372h-153 4G/LTE dongle and an EE PAYG DataSIM.

[Aside: The dongle has two variants:  The E3372h-153 and E3372s-153 the configuration of their connection is slightly different but makes no real difference to the solution.]

I then configured the outbound L2TP-VPN to operate over this service.

For outbound traffic nothing else needs to be configured. For inbound traffic you have to set up some port forwarding rules on your router.

You will then be able to use the A&A static IP address with your external port mappings to remotely connect to devices on the LAN.

To use both fixed line and 4G, simply configure a WAN failover rule on your router. The L2TP-VPN will happily re-establish itself over whichever WAN interface is active.

For my needs, I had a second dongle with a Three SIM in and paired the E3372h with an external aerial, to improve signal quality/reduce error rate. 

[PM4]

Sorry for the delayed reply, and many thanks for your response and help.  I'm looking into the A&A L2TP-VPN now, and I think I can see what you mean and how it would work. Thanks again and Happy New Year. 🙂

[joel_wraight]

Hi Donataz, 

I am a infrastructure engineer based in Essex. I have looked through this thread and have realised people have missed out some points. It is true, most residential ISP's offer only dynamic IP's. They tend to refresh rarely though, mostly when your PPP session reconnects. A router restart for example. DynamicDNS is a good solution for most people. No-IP offer a free service although you have to remember to confirm a link sent in an email once a month to keep the Dynamic DNS hostname active with them.

However, if you are like myself and really do require a static IP but also want to go with a mainstream provider, i.e. not somebody like Zen or Elite (Elite internet are fantastic by the way), then PlusNet do indeed offer a static IP to all residential customers for a one-off cost of £5. They have for quite some time now. I was confused when one person in this post stated they do not. Because right now I am posting this using a Plusnet, residential package with a static IP. 

Plusnet are absolutely brilliant. For Businesses I always recommend Elite Internet if you want to supply your own kit and need IP blocks etc, however PlusNet are second to none when it comes to customer service and internet packages. When you join Plusnet, all you do is log in to your online account, go to "extra's" and buy the add-on 'static IP'. 

I hope this helps. 

Kind regards,

xxxx xxxxxxx

[mod edit: please do not post personal information on the public board. Thanks!]

[ajmartin]

Hi @IT-4BusyPeople IT-4BusyPeopl

I work in London and am not able to use A&A L2TP - VPN.

Do you know of a VPN that offers a static IP?

Thanks

[IT-4BusyPeople]

Your location doesn't prevent you from using the A&A L2TP-VPN, it is your existing router - it needs to support outbound L2TP-VPN. EE like many (sensible) ISPs let you use your own router on the home broadband, only if you get a fault you will need to re-attach the EE router and confirm the fault is still present.

Obviously, if you are directly connecting a Windows PC to a 4G dongle, it can create an outbound L2TP-VPN session.

Since coming across the A&A offering, I've not had cause to conduct any further investigations, so am unable to be of further assistance.

[SwearyMark22]

@Pippincp - You do need to be corrected. Most other ISPs i have been with in the past have provided a static IP address including Plusnet.

SSE Broadband

Plusnet

Zen

Andrews & Arnold

John Lewis

Some offer it for free, others for a nominal charge: usually £5 per year.

When are BT & EE going to realise that this is needed for residential customers as well as business??? I understand that IPv4 is close if not already at maximum capacity, so move to IPv6 and provide customers a static IPv6 address!!!

[dacarlo]

Am in a similar boat, it's the one niggle that currently stops EE being perfect for me. It would be trivial to permit a static IP and personally I'd be willing to pay for one.