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Static IPs – still not recommended?

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AA6MU
AA6MU Member, Unconfirmed ✭
in Networking
Newbie here.
Is assigning a static IP address to the base unit still not recommended these days?i'm trying to understand the reasoning behind that recommendation. I can't think of a technical reason why using a static IP would be a bad idea, unless the TCP/IP stack or the application stack were specifically designed in a way that doesn't work properly with statics.

Best Answers

  • Ted VE3TRQ
    Ted VE3TRQ Member ✭✭✭
    Answer ✓
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    i think its nothing more than preventing questions when someone changes out their router or provider and the network number changes :-) And of course needing to know netmasks and gateways.

    Ted VE3TRQ

  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin
    Answer ✓
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    We always recommend to not use Static IPs because Automatic (DHCP) and uPNP control of your router works very well. And, if it breaks, 99.9% of the time, rebooting the radio fixes it as the radio sends new commands to the router to fix the portforwards.

    DCHP Reservations are OK if you like.

    But, if that is all new to you, then going to static IPs and Manual Portforwards do really require that you understand how it works because when it breaks you will struggle to repair it.

    If you can't make Automatic work, then open a support ticket first.

    BTW, I have 4-5 radios on my home network, all running 100% automatic and I have never had an issue that a reboot of the radio didn't resolve and that is since SmartLink was release a LONG time ago.

    73

  • Ted VE3TRQ
    Ted VE3TRQ Member ✭✭✭
    Answer ✓
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    You get the best of both worlds with a DHCP reservation in your router. Ofcourse you need access to your router configuration.

Answers

  • AA6MU
    AA6MU Member, Unconfirmed ✭
    Options
    Thank you, Mike and Ted.

    I think I got the picture now. If someone isn't in full control of their network, it's easier to let the unit "heal" itself by simply rebooting everethijng, get whatever IP address the DHCP server assigns, and talking to Mama through the UPnP-created port forward.

    I have a bit of a corner case. I'm in full control of my network and even have a backdoor into my remote Ubuntu jump box/VPN gateway through my neighbor's property Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, my provider has locked down their 5G gateway, including but not limited to port forwarding, DHCP reservations, and pretty much any management capabilities :) So i need to jump thru the hoops to automate switching btw direct/cloud path, etc..

    So, for my setup, assigning a static IP to the unit is the way to go. I was just concerned there might be something about the unit itself that makes using a static IP a bad idea.

    Thank you again.
    Vadim
    AA6MU
  • David Decoons, wo2x
    David Decoons, wo2x Member, Super Elmer Moderator
    Options

    the problem with static IPs is when the customer’s router is replaced and the new router defaults to a different subnet. Then the customer looses communications to the radio.

    There is no downside to using a DHCP reservation vs static IP.

    73 Dave wo2x

  • AA6MU
    AA6MU Member, Unconfirmed ✭
    edited July 1
    Options
    I agree David, if you have access to management p[lain of your router/modem or willing to run DHCP on a side it is perfect. it is also probably brings peace of mind with uPNP too, but the protocol itself supposed to drill a hole for you even if internal IP has changed...

    I'm not arguing against static reservation, i was afraid something in the flex tcp/ip stack is historically glitchy.

    Best,
    Vadim
    AA6MU

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