If you are a web developer working from home, you will realise the importance of having a static IP address. An IP address is a unique string of numbers separated by full stops that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.
If you require access to a server or someone else computer you may need to give them your IP address to add to their firewall. This is the barrier that tries to stop unauthorised uses from accessing their data.
If you do not have a static IP address then you may find that it changes regularly and therefore you have to keep requesting for your IP to be added again. This can be frustrating for both parties and can cause time delays.
Some companies will only allow you to have a static IP address if you upgrade to a business account whereas others will charge you a fixed fee per month for one.