Five Differences Between Static IP and Dynamic IP

Five Differences Between Static IP and Dynamic IP.

When you subscribe to Internet services from your local Internet Service Provider (ISP), you are assigned an IP address. Like your home address, this allows your device to navigate the Internet and helps identify a specific device on your network.

Typically, your ISP provides a dynamic IP address for your connection. However, there are times when a static IP works better than a regular dynamic IP.

Read: Assign a Static IP Address to a Printer or Any Network Device

How to determine which IP address to use and why one is better than the other? Let’s take a closer look at the difference between a static and dynamic IP address, as well as the strengths of each.

1. Static IP Is Permanent. Dynamic IP Changes Over Time

First, we need to define what each type of IP does in order to better understand its function. A dynamic IP address is the more common of the two, as ISPs provide this type of IP address to their customers by default.

Dynamic IP addresses, provided automatically by Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), are not permanent and change periodically without affecting your internet connection.

Unlike their dynamic counterpart, static IP addresses remain the same and do not change even when the device is actively offline or turned off. Your ISP assigns this IP address directly to the device based on availability in your area.

Unless the IP address reservation is canceled or the device is permanently disconnected from the network, the IP address of that device will remain the same.

2. Dynamic IPs Are Given Automatically

Every device that connects to the network, whether it’s a home network or online, is immediately assigned a dynamic IP address by the DHCP server and identifies the specific device on its network.

An automatic setup makes connecting to the Internet more accessible and hassle-free by eliminating the need to manually configure devices on the server. When using static IP addresses, each IP address is manually configured and cannot be reused on other devices.

Also Read :Â Assign a Static IP to Your Windows 10 PC

3. Static IPs Make Remote Connections Easier

Another advantage of static IP over dynamic is the stability and reliability of the Internet connection. A static IP address is a permanent IP address that makes it easier to find your connection through the Domain Name System (DNS). This makes a static IP ideal for business, web hosting, and game or web server maintenance.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) calling, virtual private network (VPN) connections, and remote desktop task management become more manageable when you use a static IP address. File transfers between peer-to-peer servers are faster with a static IP address.

4. Dynamic IPs Are Less Prone to Hacking

In this day and age where almost everyone is online in one form or another, the threat of your device getting hacked is more real than ever. Hackers most often get into a person’s device through their IP address, and this is where having a static IP instead of a DHCP IP can be dangerous.

Because static IP addresses don’t change unless they’ve been intentionally removed, once a hacker knows the server information, there’s nothing to stop him from attacking that connection. This could mean potential damage or theft of files and personal data, compromise of sensitive information, and loss of funds.

Although dynamic IP addresses are not ideal for hacking protection, they provide better security than static IP addresses. Because it changes periodically, it’s less prone to cyberattacks and it’s harder for hackers to pinpoint your exact location.

5. Static IPs Cost More

Compared to dynamic IP addresses, requesting static IP addresses from your ISP usually incurs an additional charge. This is due to the need for setup, maintenance, and extra work.

Think of IP addresses like your regular parking spot. Dynamic IP addresses are free parking spaces in the yard, while static IP addresses are reserved parking spaces. They are limited in number as these IP addresses cannot be reused and require a subscription to have them.

The number of available IP addresses is not enough for all devices around the world to have dedicated IP addresses. This is why ISPs prefer to recycle IP addresses from time to time. Because they can’t reuse static IPs, they have to charge for ongoing maintenance and upkeep of IPs.

Protip: How to Check and Change IP Address on Home Networks

All this talk about static vs. dynamic IP will spark interest in knowing your IP address and being able to change it from dynamic to static. There are several sites on the Internet that can show your public IP address.

Some benefits of a static IP address for devices on your home network

For home networks, you can also change the IP addresses on your network from dynamic to static IP to improve network connectivity. Also, if you use a VPN, the service has options to check and change the IP address.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) easily assigns a new IP address to any device connected to the router. But manually assigning your own static IP address to devices on your home network can also make life easier in several ways. Static IP addresses for your own devices are easy to manually set from your router.

For example, if you’ve set up a media server with Kodi, it’s best to assign it a static IP address from the router’s interface. A single static IP addressing scheme can also help you easily locate your devices using command line tools or any other IP communication method.

Choosing the IP Address That Suits Your Needs

Choosing the right type of IP address depends on how you use the Internet. If you’re more of a casual Internet user who surfs the web to check social media, watch videos. And play some games, then a dynamic IP address will suit you.

While it may cost more than a standard dynamic IP, a dedicated IP improves connectivity and makes your server easier for other businesses to find. Research your ISP’s pricing tiers, as ISP business plans often include the option to choose a static IP address.