IPAddress

==Static and Dynamic IP addresses==
For more information on your IP Address, see [http://whatismyipaddress.com http://whatismyipaddress.com]

===What's a Static IP Address?===
A static Internet Protocol (IP) address (static IP address) is a permanent IP address assigned to a computer by an Internet service provider (ISP). Static IP addresses are useful for gaming, website hosting or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. Speed and reliability are key advantages.

===What's a Dynamic IP Address?===
A dynamic Internet Protocol (IP) address (dynamic IP address) is a temporary IP address assigned to a computing device or node when it’s connected to a network. A dynamic IP address is an automatically configured IP address assigned by a DHCP server to every new network node.

===Static IP vs Dynamic IP===
Static IP addresses are great if you play videogames, use your computer as a server, use VoIP services, host a website. However, since they're constant, systems with static IP addresses are vulnerable to data mining and increased security risks.

Dynamic IP addresses are great for their security, for their cost and for their automatic network configuration. However, their reliability isn't as good as static ones and they could cause the service to disconnect while you are on a VOIP, VPN or gaming.

===How this affects your xat account===
If you use [[AccountLocking]], you may become locked out if you have a dynamic IP. It is not recommended to use account locking while under a dynamic IP. Account locking works by verifying that you are in the same location where you locked the account. If your IP changes, xat will be unable to verify that you are in the same location and you will be unable to login. If this happens, you can open a [xat.com/ticket ticket] and you will receive a reply within 3 days. For more information on this, see [[LockedOut]]