Difference Between Static IP and Dynamic IP

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a numerical label (unique identifier) for devices on a network, enabling them to communicate with each other. These IP addresses are categorized into several types based on their functions and usage. This article will discuss one type of IP address used to identify network devices, i.e., static and dynamic addresses.

The static IP address is manually assigned to a device and does not change unless manually reconfigured. In contrast, Dynamic IP addresses are automatically assigned by a network's DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server and change over time. Static IP addresses primarily include hosting servers and facilitating remote access, while dynamic IP addresses are commonly used in residential and business devices for standard devices.

Table of Content

• Difference Between Static and Dynamic IP Address
• What is an IP address?
• What is a Static IP Address?
• Use Cases of Static IP Address
• Advantages of Static IP Address
• Limitation of Static IP Address
• What is a Dynamic IP Address?
• Use Cases of Dynamic IP Address
• Advantages of Dynamic IP Address
• Limitation of Dynamic IP Address

What is the Difference Between Static and Dynamic IP Addresses?

Parameter	Static IP Address	Dynamic IP Address
Assignment Method	Manually assigned and configured.	Automatically assigned by a DHCP server.
Change Frequency	Remains constant unless manually changed.	It changes periodically; it can vary each time a device connects.
Typical Use Cases	Used for servers (web, email), network infrastructure, remote access, and devices needing constant access.	Common in home networks, mobile devices, and for general internet use.
Cost	Generally more expensive; often incurs additional charges.	More cost-effective; usually included in standard internet packages.
Network Management	Requires manual configuration and management.	Easier to manage, especially in large networks with many devices.
Reliability	Provides a stable and consistent connection.	Connection stability can vary, but generally reliable.
Security	Can be more vulnerable to targeted attacks due to its constant nature. Requires robust security measures.	Less susceptible to targeted attacks; IP changes can provide a layer of security.
Flexibility	Less flexible; best suited for permanent setups.	Highly flexible; ideal for networks with frequently changing devices.
Remote Accessibility	Easier to configure for remote access due to its constant nature.	More challenging for remote access as the IP can change.
Configuration Complexity	Higher complexity requires manual setup.	Lower complexity, typically automatic and requires minimal setup.
Suitability for Hosting Services	Better suited for hosting services that need a constant address (like websites).	Less suited for hosting services due to its changing nature.

What is an IP Address?

An IP address is a unique string of numbers separated by the periods (in IPv4) or colons (in IPv6) that identifies each computer, smartphone, or other device connected to a computer network that uses the IP for communication. These IP addresses are written in dotted-decimal notation, consisting of four sets of numbers from 0 to 255, separated by periods.

Example: A typical IP address looks like 186.161.341.1.

An IP address has two parts: Network ID and host ID.

Network ID comprises the first three numbers (here, 186.161.341). It indicates which network the device is on.

Host ID: The fourth number in the address (here, 1). It refers to the specific device on that network.

• Usually, .1 is for the router, and each subsequent device gets assigned .2, .3, and so on).

What is a Static IP Address?

A static IP address is a permanent numerical label assigned to a device in a network that remains constant over time. These are manually configured and maintained. The primary characteristic of a static IP address is that it remains the same even after the device restarts or the network changes.

Static IP addresses are well-suited for devices that require consistent accessibility from the internet, such as web servers, email servers, or VPN servers.

Use Cases of Static IP Address

• It is essential for servers that host websites or email services accessible at the same domain name.
• VPNs utilize static IP addresses to establish secure remote connections between users and corporate networks.
• Online gaming servers often employ static IP addresses to ensure smooth gameplay and minimize lag caused by fluctuating IP addresses.
• Static IP addresses are beneficial for setting up remote access to devices, such as cameras or human-automation systems.

Advantages of Static IP Address

• It does not change; it provides a consistent and reliable point of contact for devices that need to be accessible all the time.
• Since the IP address does not change, setting up and maintaining remote access to the device is easier.
• Using static IP addresses, troubleshooting network issues can be more straightforward.

Limitations of Static IP Address

• Static IP addresses are typically more expensive than dynamic IPs.
• It requires manual configuration, which can be more complex and time-consuming, particularly in large networks.
• Particularly in the IPv4 protocol, the number of available static IP addresses is limited, making them scarce.
• Manual setting up static IPs can lead to human errors, such as IP conflicts or misconfiguration, which can disrupt network options.

What is a Dynamic IP Address?

An IP address that changes over time is known as a dynamic IP address. Unlike static IP addresses, which are permanent and remain unchanged, dynamic IP addresses are temporarily assigned to devices. They are typically refreshed after a certain period, such as a few days or weeks.

Dynamic IP addresses are commonly handled by a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server on the network. When a device connects to the network, the DHCP server selects an IP address from a pool of the available addresses and assigns it to the device.

Use-Cases of Dynamic IP Address

• It is commonly used in home and office networks, where most devices don't require constant accessibility from the internet.
• They are typically assigned to mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, as they provide flexibility and efficient use of IP addresses.
• Considering their transient nature and infrequent communication requirements, they are used for IoT devices.

Advantages of Dynamic IP Address

• It is an efficient way to allocate a limited number of IP addresses in a large network since addresses are only assigned to the devices when connected to the networks.
• It reduces the complexity of managing address assignment, especially in large networks with frequently changing devices.
• Dynamic IP addressing is generally more cost-effective for users and internet service providers.

Limitations of Dynamic IP Address

• It can lead to inconsistent accessibility for devices, as the IP address may change before it has been communicated to the other devices or services.
• The conflict may arise if two devices are assigned the same IP address.
• Renewing the IP address lease can lead to brief network interruptions, although this is usually seamless and not noticeable to the users.