I am using Time Warner cable internet service. My IP address changes every couple months. However, I need to access some access limited servers which has firewall rules on it.
Is there any way to make my IP address fixed so that no need to change firewall rules whenever my IP address changes?
Only your ISP can give you a fixed IP address. You could look to using a VPN to a device on a fixed IP address (for instance a virtual server you managed yourself), but that's about your only other option.
Alternatively you could talk to the admin of the server and see if they can set it up so that you can use a VPN to access the server.
Dynamic DNS (DDNS) is what you need if you don't want to pay for a static IP, but as Arjan pointed out DDNS only works for inbound traffic. As I see it you have three options:
Pay Time Warner for a static IP address.
Set up a proxy server that will send its IP address (which will be static) instead of your IP address.
Use third party firmware on a suitable modem and force a static IP address. Not sure what your terms and conditions are with Time Warner, but in all likelihood they will not like this and might cancel your service if they find out you are doing it.
Security by blocking IP-addresses is primitive.
But like Cry Havok wrote, talk to your ISP. Keep in mind that a fixed IP usually costs more than a dynamic one.
If your firewall allows you to set up rules by URL you might want to try out a service like http://www.dyndns.com
Most routers have options for dyndns and such or you can install a client on your machine to update your IP with the dyndns service
As I understand it, you would have to switch to Business Class Service through Time Warner Cable. I'm sure there is a fee involved, and likely a change in the cost of your monthly service. This would be the direct answer for how to get your ISP to give you a Static IP address.
DynDNS is a solution if (and only if) the firewall you are talking about does a reverse lookup to find the name of the domain the source IP address is in (your public IP address in this case), instead of the IP address itself. You stated your concern was based entirely on the IP address, not the domain name. I suspect DynDNS will be of little use in this scenario. I suspect this because although your IP address changes from time to time, your domain does not (if you are even part of one) when using DHCP (dynamic IP addressing) through Time Warner Cable.
You can get a Panix account for $100 per year and use their privoxy service (a web proxy run on their server). Since their server never changes IP address it would not matter what your ISP assigns you.
I have no business relationship with Panix except being a long-time satisfied customer.
