Static IP Vs. Dynamic IP

IP stands for Internet Protocol. It is a numerical label, which is assigned to computers that are a part of a computer network which use Internet protocol for communication, between the various computers. There are two main functions of an IP address. The first main function is for host or network interface identification. It also helps in location addressing, while Internet access. The role of an IP address can be defined as follows, "a names indicates, what we seek. An address indicates, where it is. A route indicates, how to get there".

Initially the designers of TCP/IP used 32 bit number to define an IP address. However, with the enormous growth of the Internet, there arose a necessity of new addressing system. This is when the new 128 bits of addressing system came into being. IP addresses like any other data is stored in binary form, however, it is displayed in human-readable notations.

Now there are two ways in which the IP addresses are assigned. They are known as static IP and dynamic IP. In simple terms, when one particular IP address is assigned to a computer, it is the static IP. Whereas, when every time the computer goes online, a new address is automatically assigned to the computer, which is known as dynamic IP. Here comes the question about static IP and dynamic IP, which of them is better and how are they different from one another apart from the basic difference.

Static IP Address Vs. Dynamic IP Address

Before we see the differences between static IP and dynamic IP, we will understand the characteristics of each one of them, which will make it easier for us to dwell into the debate better.

Static IP Address
A static IP address is the IP address which does not change over time unless it is changed manually. It is often used in large networks, so as to identify the location constantly. An example could be of any web server. If you have to go to www.google.com, you will in reality be directed to the IP address 72.14.221.104. However, if the IP was to change suddenly, then you may not be able to go to Google, unless you know the new IP address or until Google updates its own DNS records.

Dynamic IP Address
On the other hand, a dynamic IP address keeps changing every time the computer logs onto the network. A dynamic IP address is often used, when having a static IP address is not a necessity. The most common example of this is the IP address, that is assigned to a computer when it goes online on the Internet. To surf the web, it is compulsory that your machine has an IP address. Hence when you connect to the Internet, the Internet service provider gives you an IP, but when you disconnect, you lose the IP. The next time you log in, your machine is assigned a new IP.

Difference between Static IP and Dynamic IP
Now that we have understood what static and dynamic IP exactly are, we will see, what are the other differences between both of them.

Assignment: First difference between static IP and dynamic IP is the method of assignment. Static IP is assigned manually by an administrator. The exact method of assignment differs depending on the platform used. On the other hand, dynamic IP is assigned by the computer interface or by a host software. Often DHCP servers are used for dynamic allotment of IP addresses.

Use of Dynamic IP Vs. Static IP: Dynamic IP is a common feature in computers, that are a part of a LAN or use broadband internet networks. Using dynamic IP reduces the administrative burden of assigning specific static addresses to each device on the network. In most of the current desktop operating systems, the default IP used is dynamic IP, so that the user does not have to manually enter any setting, when it is connected to a DHCP server. Other than DHCP point-to-point protocol can also be used for IP assignment.

Use of Static IP over Dynamic IP: There are certain infrastructural situations, where it becomes mandatory to use static addressing. One of the situation where such a condition becomes a necessity, is when finding Domain Name Host, that will translate domain names to IP addresses. Static addresses are convenient, to locate servers inside a particular enterprise. It should not be forgotten, that a static IP obtained from DNS server also comes with an expiry date, after which it will have to be looked up to confirm whether the IP has changed or not. The other possibility is that static IP can also be changed by the network administration.

For more information, read

• How Do I Find my IP Address on my Computer
• How do I Find my IP Address on Vista
• How to Find IP Address in Linux
• How to Trace IP Address to a Computer

Now that you have seen static IP vs. dynamic IP, you will have to decide, whether you want to go in for a static IP or a dynamic IP. If your machine is a stand alone machine, you will have to think if you indeed do need a static IP for your Internet connection, as it will come with a price. Normally Internet service providers give dynamic IP. If you want a static IP, you will have to request the service provider for the same.