Static vs dynamic IP addresses: what’s the difference?

Static vs Dynamic

There’s a lot of technical jargon in the networking world that only experts understand, yet understanding these terms can sometimes make all the difference in an online experience. Static and dynamic IP addresses are the topic of discussion today.

You can think of your IP address as your home address on the internet. Four unique numbers, ranging from 0 to 255, make up this string. To enable you to visit websites, download files, and communicate with other internet users, the internet uses it to find your device. But, Having a static or dynamic IP address is really that important, though? You will find out later why the answer is indeed yes.

What is an IP?

A device that connects to the internet or local networks is given a unique identity known as an Internet Protocol (IP) address. The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which establishes rules for data formats conveyed across networks, manages IP addresses.

Devices connected to the same network can communicate and share data thanks to the location data contained in an IP address. Since it is made up of a string of  four numbers, 0 to 255, the possible values for an IP address are 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255. IP addresses are necessary for internet operations because they allow devices to find, communicate, and transmit information to one another. Additionally, an IP address helps in differentiating between websites, routers, and PCs.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 with the main goal to make sure the internet is safe and user-friendly, is the division that assigns IP numbers.

There are two categories of IP addresses: dynamic and static. We will look at the differences between dynamic and static IP in this blog.

What is a Static IP Address?

A manually configured identifier that is issued to a device and stays constant throughout multiple network connections is known as a static IP address. Static IP addresses can be set up on any device that uses IP addresses, including tablets, routers, desktop and laptop computers. Static IP addresses are generally not required for individuals, but businesses require them in order to host servers. In order to handle critical assets that are blocked from most IP addresses, server and account managers may also use whitelisted static IP addresses.

Advantages of Static IP Address

The use of a static IP address has many benefits. These advantages include:

  • Improved DNS support: DNS servers make it much simpler to set up and maintain static IP addresses.
  • Hosting a web server, email server, or any other type of server: Having a static IP address helps clients’ DNS finding of your business. In real terms, this implies that customers who have a static IP address will be able to access your websites and services more quickly.
  • Convenient remote access: Working remotely with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or other remote access software is made simpler by having a static IP address.
  • More reliable communication: Static IP addresses facilitate the usage of speech over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for teleconferencing and other audio and video communications, resulting in more dependable communication.
  • Improved reliability of geolocation services: Static IP addresses allow services to link an IP address with a physical location. For instance, you’re more likely to receive the needed weather report rather than the one for the next city over if you use a local weather service with a static IP address.

Disadvantages of Static IP address

Additionally, static IP addresses have drawbacks like:

  • Easy-to-track addresses: Static IP addresses are easy to trace devices and the data they access or share since they are consistent. This might be a security risk since it provides a means for cybercriminals to have access to a computer and then get illegal access to business networks.
  • Difficulties after a breach: Static IP addresses make a website more vulnerable to hacking. They also make it harder to change IP addresses after a data breach, which leaves the company more vulnerable to ongoing issues.
  • Cost issue: Static IP addresses tend to be far more expensive than dynamic IP addresses. To issue a static IP address to every device and website, many internet service and hosting companies ask users to create business accounts or pay one-time fees.

What is a Dynamic IP Address?

Dynamic IP addresses are exactly what their name means: they can change at any time. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers assign dynamic addresses based on demand.

Since IPv4 is running out of static IP addresses, we have to use dynamic addresses. Thus, a hotel, for instance, most likely has a static IP address, but every gadget in each room would have a dynamic IP address.

Your ISP’s DHCP server could assign your house or place of business a dynamic IP address on the internet. Your network router is most likely responsible for assigning the dynamic IP address to all of your devices—computers, smartphones, streaming media players, tablets, and other gadgets—within your home or office network. Consumer equipment uses dynamic IP as the standard.

Advantages of Dynamic IP Addresses

Compared to static IP addresses, dynamic IP addresses are less expensive to set up and easier to manage.

  • Simple, automatic setup: When a device has a dynamic IP address, the DHCP server gives it the next IP address that becomes available. You don’t have to take any action.
  • Reduced fees: Using a dynamic IP address usually results in cost savings.
  • Unlimited IP Addressing: IP addresses can be reused endlessly thanks to dynamic addresses. Your devices are instantly set up with a new dynamic IP address when they are connected to a network. For example, the network or router handles the task of deleting the old computer and assigning a new one when you bring home a new one. As a result, when two computers try to use the same IP address, confusing issues are avoided.
  • Potentially improved security: It is more difficult for a possible attacker to target your networked devices when you have a dynamic IP address. Using a VPN for a PC to mask your network address is another way to increase security.
  • Increased physical security: It is far more difficult for a spy to pinpoint your precise location. Additionally, a VPN can assist with this.

Disadvantages of a Dynamic IP addresses

Not every situation is best suited for dynamic IP addresses. Email and other internet-facing services, like the web, don’t work effectively with them.

  • Not likely to work properly in a hosted environment: It could be difficult to use a dynamic IP address if you want to run a website, email server, or anything similar. Due to the constant shifting of the address, dynamic IP addresses are hard for DNS to handle. This issue can be resolved using dynamic DNS services, however they come with an additional cost and complexity. This may be a very negative aspect.
  • May limit remote access: If you use a dynamic IP address, your program can have connection issues depending on your remote access software.
  • Possibly longer downtime: Your ISP can at times be unable to provide you with a dynamic IP address, although this is rare. Your internet connection may be interrupted by this. For an individual customer, that’s a minor inconvenience. In the event that it takes down your company’s website, the issue is far more serious.
  • Less precise geolocation: If you continue to use a dynamic IP address that no longer accurately represents your location, it may cause your geolocation services to malfunction.

Static vs. Dynamic IP Address: What is Better for Enterprises? 

Usually, the choice of static or dynamic IP addresses is based on the purpose for which they are used. For businesses that have websites and online services, a static IP address is a better choice. For personal internet use and home networks, dynamic IP addresses are more appropriate.

Businesses who need to ensure server and website uptime will find static IP addresses especially helpful. Through the following characteristics and capabilities, they also provide dependable internet connections, faster data exchanges, and more convenient remote access:

  • Establishing a unique identification on the internet
  • Simple IP whitelisting
  • Indefinite firewall rule validation, which removes the need to continuously update firewall rules 
  • Hosting services within a local-area network (LAN) that is accessible from the public internet
  • Full responsibility for IP reputation, DNS settings, and IP geolocation

Why choose LeaseIPx

As we look to the future of internet connectivity, maintaining IP addresses is still necessary to maintain an efficient and scalable network. LeaseIPx‘s IP leasing services might be quite beneficial for businesses overcoming network management obstacles. The following justifies why renting IP addresses from LeaseIPx could be a smart move:

1. Cost Effectiveness

Leasing IP addresses could be less expensive than purchasing a large block of addresses all at once. For businesses that want temporary IP resources or need to extend their network operations, leasing offers an adaptable and cost-effective alternative.

2. Adaptability and Expandability

With LeaseIPx, you can effortlessly scale your IP resources up or down in response to your needs. This flexibility might be especially useful for businesses who are transitioning to IPv6 or are experiencing changes in demand.

3. Avoid address exhaustion

There is rising concern about IP address exhaustion, especially with regard to IPv4. With LeaseIPx leasing, you can avoid these limitations and stop worrying about handling a challenging IP allocation or running out of addresses.

4. Professional assistance

LeaseIPx provides support and experts in IP management. This implies that you get guidance on how to utilize IP addresses and ensure adherence to established standards and processes in addition to the IP addresses you need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are benefits and drawbacks to both static and dynamic IP addresses. Knowing these differences enables you to set up your network in an intelligent manner. You may achieve optimal performance and efficiency by understanding your needs and how each type of IP address fits into your network plan, regardless of whether you need the flexibility of a dynamic IP or the dependability of a static IP.