As a matter of fact, the Internet Protocol (or IP in shortening) is required if you want to connect to the Internet. Many people believe that IP address selection is simple and it is not necessary to focus on them.
However, there are two kinds of IP addresses nowadays, and each of them will have its own features. So the question is, between Static IP vs. Dynamic IP, which one is the most suitable for you to use?
In this article, we will explain to you the difference between those two types of IP addresses, as well as the pros and cons of each. After understanding all the information, you will be able to choose the most suitable type.
Without further ado, let’s slide down and read now!
What is a static IP address?
A static Internet Protocol is a unique IP address that does not change over time. If your laptop or smartphone is assigned a static address, the number that shows the IP will not change until your device stops working, or you manually create some architecture adjustment for the network.
Typically, Static IP addresses are usually used in servers of big enterprises. Some servers that we can tell are:
- FTP servers.
- Web hosting services.
- VPN servers.
- Email servers.
Because this type of Internet Protocol does not change, it quickly becomes the apple in many companies’ eyes, so that their customers can find their website easier (throughout DNS).
The Static type of IP addresses is given by the ISPs ( the Internet Service Providers). Depending on the contract’s agreement between you and the ISPs, the provider will allow you to have the static IP or not. Of course, you will have to pay more money to have the Static IP acceptation in the contract.
What is a dynamic IP address?
Contrary to the static IP, the Dynamic type always changes. In fact, the number that shows the IP addresses can adjust very quickly, even in a second. Although you can not control the Dynamic IP changes, rest assured that it will not affect your browsing action.
The ISPs are the companies that provide the DHCP ( the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) servers, which assign this type of IP. Even though these addresses can change quickly, they usually stay the same for a while, such as a week, a month, etc.
Due to the low price, the Dynamic IP addresses are more commonly used than the static one. on the digital platform, your home or workplace network is probably assigned by this adjusting IP type.
Static IP vs. Dynamic IP – Which one is the right for you?
Both Static IP and Dynamic IP have their pros and cons. Therefore, we will now dig deeper into the detail to see each IP type’s advantages and disadvantages. After that, depending on your purposes, you can decide which one is the winner of the battle: Static IP vs. Dynamic IP.
Advantages of a static IP.
Here are a few of the benefits that a static IP address can do. Let’s take a look:
- Static IP can support DNS better: Static IP addresses can set up and control multiple DNS servers quickly and simply.
- Static IP allows server storage: In case you host web, email servers, or any other type of servers, using a static IP address will help customers find you more conveniently via DNS. This means customers can access your website and services faster when they have a static IP address.
- The Internet Protocol allows fast remote access: In today’s pandemic era, working remotely is essential. And using a static IP address helps you do the job effectively thanks to VPN (Virtual Private Network) or applications that would enable remote access.
- Static IP increases communication reliability: Static IP address allows you to easily use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) for remote conferencing, voice communication, or video calls thanks to the support of static IP addresses.
- The reliable geolocation services can work with more accuracy: Using a static IP address, you can access services that match the actual location of that IP. In particular, when you use a local weather service using a static IP address, you will receive weather reports in the area you need instead of tons of information about the surrounding cities.
Disadvantages of a static IP.
Everything has two sides, and of course, static IP is not an ideal address for all cases:
- Static IPs are prone to being hacked: Because it is an irreversible address, hackers can always know your server’s exact location on the Internet. And this makes them vulnerable to surprise attacks. However, do not worry because Avast Internet Security can help you out in this case.
- The stable IP has a high cost: ISP packages for static IP addresses often have higher prices, especially ISP plans. On the other hand, enterprise ISP plans will include static IP, and more than one option, but will have more cost than end-user plans because of extra costs.
- The IP is the top real-world security concern: With a static IP address, people who have the right networking tools can find your location and server. You can learn more about Avast SecureLine VPN to make it even more secure.
Advantages of a dynamic IP.
Here are some reasons that explain why the Dynamic is better than the Static one.
- Dynamic only requires automatic and simple configuration: You will not have to config the Dynamic Internet Protocol. Instead, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol servers will do that for you.
- The IP has a low cost: Dynamic Internet Protocols are much cheaper than the Static type.
- The Dynamic IP is more difficult to be hacked: Because the number that displays your home network’s IP address is ever-changing, hackers will have problems attacking your network devices. Alternatively, you can apply a VPN to obscure Dynamic addresses for more network security.
Disadvantages of a dynamic IP.
On the downside, the Dynamic IP also has several disadvantages:
- Dynamic IP can not function well with hosted servers: In case you are about to host a server such as a website, application, email, etc., we don’t advise you to use Dynamic IP type. Because the IP always changes, it will give you and your clients many issues to find the DNS of your host. Even though many DNS services support Dynamic IP, they are so problematic for a non-professional person to use.
- The remote access software has a limitation: Because the Dynamic IP adjusts really much, the remote access software will get problems while finding the correct address in order to link with it.
- The Geolocation Services can determine your location with less accuracy: Because you can use an Internet Protocol that does not reflect your actual location, the Geolocation services can not say 100% the truth about your place. For example, when you use the Dynamic IP to see the weather at your location, the information that you receive may not be 100% correct.
Which type of IP is your system using right now?
Static IP or dynamic IP addresses can appear not only on Windows but also on Mac systems. So, in case you are unsure about the kind of IP address you are using, you can follow the steps below.
Check the IP address on your Windows system:
- Go to the Command Prompt
- Type “ipconfig /all”
- Find out the text: DHCP Enabled.
If you see a YES next to this one, you are using a dynamic IP address. On the contrary, if there is a NO, you are using a static IP.
Check the IP address on your Mac system:
- Open the System Preferences
- Choose the Network Option
- Choose “Advanced” which is at the bottom right-hand corner
- Go to TCP/IP
If you see the text “Using DHCP” besides the text “Configure IPv4”, your system is using a dynamic IP address. However, if “Manually” appears on the screen, it means you have a static IP.
Can you change to a Static IP address from a Dynamic IP?
Our answer is yes. As we have mentioned above, you need to agree with your ISPs so that they can add Static IP to your network. However, this action will cost you more money. So, if it is just a home network, a Dynamic IP is already enough. Conversely, if you require a network for enterprise or hotel, you can buy the Static type.
In fact, you can still get some benefits of the Static Internet Protocol, in spite of the fact that you are using the Dynamic type. In this situation, you require the support of the DNS Dynamic Services. More specifically, these services can automatically update the DNS of your website with the new dynamic IP. However, this process is too complicated for a non-expert to do.
So, in the battle of Static IP vs. Dynamic IP, who has come out to be victorious? Each type has its own specialty. So as our recommendation, if you only need an IP for a home network, you should use the Dynamic type. On the other hand, Static IP would be a great choice if you host a website.
In case you need more detail about these two types of Internet Protocols, don’t be afraid to contact us. We will help you with all of our knowledge!
And now, we will end our article. Many thanks to you for having read!