Shared IP vs Dedicated (Real) IP: Which Do You Need?
Shared IP vs Dedicated (Real) IP: Which Do You Need?
Direct Answer: A Dedicated IP (Real IP) gives your router its own unique public address on the internet, allowing direct outside access to your network. A Shared IP means you and hundreds of other customers share a single public address managed by your ISP. Most standard home connections in Bangladesh use a Shared IP to reduce costs.
What is a Shared IP?
Due to the global shortage of standard IPv4 addresses, ISPs in Bangladesh cannot afford to give every customer a unique Public IP address.
Instead, they use a technology called Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT). The ISP assigns your router a local, internal address (often starting with 10. or 100.64.), and groups your internet traffic with hundreds of other users before sending it out to the web through a single Shared Public IP.
For general web browsing, Netflix streaming, and social media, a Shared IP works perfectly fine.
What is a Dedicated (Real) IP?
A Dedicated IP—commonly referred to in Bangladesh as a “Real IP”—means your router is assigned a direct, globally unique, and fully routable Public IP address. You do not share this address with any other customer.
Why Do You Need a Real IP?
While a Shared IP is sufficient for most users, certain applications require a Real IP to function correctly because they need the outside internet to be able to “find” your router directly.
1. Online Gaming (Fixing Strict NAT)
If you play peer-to-peer online games (like FIFA, GTA Online, or certain Call of Duty titles), consoles like PlayStation and Xbox require “Open” or “Type 1” NAT. Because a Shared IP puts you behind a second layer of routing at the ISP level, it results in a “Strict” or “Type 3” NAT. A Real IP solves this, allowing you to host lobbies and connect to other players without lag or connection drops.
2. Remote CCTV Access
If you have an NVR or DVR for security cameras and want to view the feed from your phone while away from home, the system usually requires port forwarding. Port forwarding is impossible on a Shared IP because you do not control the main ISP router. A Real IP allows you to forward ports and access your cameras instantly. (Note: Some modern P2P/Cloud-based CCTV systems bypass this requirement, but direct IP access is faster and more reliable).
3. Hosting Servers
If you want to run a web server, a Minecraft server for friends, or access your home PC remotely using Remote Desktop (RDP), you must have a Real IP so incoming traffic knows exactly where to go.
Shared vs. Dedicated IP: Which is Better?
- Choose Shared IP if: You only use the internet for browsing, streaming YouTube/Netflix, downloading files, and social media. It is cheaper and perfectly capable.
- Choose Dedicated (Real) IP if: You are a competitive gamer experiencing NAT type issues, you need to access local hardware (CCTV, NAS) remotely, or you frequently suffer from “IP Bans” because another user on your shared connection engaged in malicious activity.