# How to add static IPv4 and IPv6 addresses to OpenBSD

Static IP addresses are assigned to devices directly. Such an assignment can be done under the [Unix](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/unix-a-history/ "Unix: A history") derivative OpenBSD by means of a configuration file. Only a few steps are required for this.

## What do I need to consider when configuring a static IP address?

Having a static IP address for your server is beneficial in that it enables customers to locate you more easily through the Domain Name System (DNS). That’s because your **IP doesn’t change** and has the notable advantage of making the DNS setup easier too. Given the scarcity of IPv4 addresses, it’s recommended that when configuring your [IP addresses](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-is-an-ip-address/ "What is an IP address?"), you take advantage of the [benefits of IPv6](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/what-are-the-benefits-of-ipv6/ "What are the benefits of IPv6?") by also storing an IPv6 address.

To configure a static IP address on the OpenBSD operating system, you need to associate the **IP addresses you intend to use with your server**. If you’re using an IONOS server, you can link these addresses conveniently through the IONOS Cloud Panel. However, to set up a static IPv4 or IPv6 address on OpenBSD, you must have access to the system’s internal terminal. After identifying your network’s name, you can create a file that specifies the server’s IP addresses.

## How to assign a static IP address to IONOS servers: A step-by-step guide

After you’ve associated the IP addresses of your choice with your server in the Cloud Panel, you can adjust the settings on the server in just a few steps so that the server can be found at the desired static address.

### Step 1: Find out the name of your network interface

To assign IP addresses, you must first identify the name of your network interface. This can be accomplished easily using the `ifconfig` command built into OpenBSD. Simply open a command line and enter the command to display a list of available network interfaces. Ethernet interfaces typically start with the prefix “en”.

### Step 2: Create the file

Next, you’ll need to create a file for assigning the static IPv4 or IPv6 address in OpenBSD at the path */etc/hostname.INTERFACE*, replacing *INTERFACE* with the name of your network interface. To accomplish this, you can use the terminal and any editor of your choice, such as vim.

### Step 3: Add file content

Once you’ve created the file, you can **configure your IP addresses**:

```none
#IPv4
inet IPV4 255.255.255.255
!route add -inet 10.255.255.1 -llinfo -link -static -iface INTERFACE
!route add -inet default 10.255.255.1
#IPv6
inet6 alias IPV6/128
!route add -net ::/0 fe80::1%INTERFACE
```

Make sure to substitute *INTERFACE* with the name of your network interface and *IPV4* or *IPV6* with the desired IP addresses. If you only want to set up an IPv4 address in OpenBSD, you can skip the configuration for IPv6.

### Step 4: Restart the system

To activate the changes, a system reboot is necessary. You can do this by using either the Cloud Panel or the terminal command `reboot`.

### Step 5: Check if configuration was successful

To verify that the static IP address change was successful, open the terminal and use the `ifconfig` command to display information about your network interfaces and their corresponding IP addresses.

Tip If you don’t have your own server yet, consider checking out IONOS’ affordable [Dedicated Server](https://www.ionos.com/servers/dedicated-servers "IONOS Dedicated Server"). You can apply the instructions here directly to our dedicated servers.


This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/adding-ipv4-and-ipv6-addresses-to-openbsd/](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/adding-ipv4-and-ipv6-addresses-to-openbsd/) for AI/LLM consumption.