As you must be aware, the basic requirement for any device to connect to Internet or join any local area network is to have its own unique IP Address, which can be either Static or Dynamic type of IP Address.
The purpose of assigning either a Dynamic or Static IP Address to computers and other connected devices is to provide them with a unique identity on the network, which in-turn helps these devices to establish connection with other devices and services on the network.
What is Dynamic IP Address?
A Dynamic IP Address can be defined as a temporarily assigned Address on the Internet, which keeps automatically changing over a period of time. For example, in the case of residential internet services; it is a standard practice to assign a dynamic IP Address to the Modem/Router unit.
The use of Dynamic IP Addresses in residential internet services allows Internet Service Providers (ISP) to lower the cost of service by recycling IPs from a shared pool.
Advantages of Dynamic IP:
- Cost-effective: IP cost is included in the ISP package.
- Automatic setup: DHCP protocol automatically assigns IP Address
- Enhanced Security: Difficult for cyber attackers to target a specific machine due to its changing and dynamically assigned IP Address
- Improved Privacy: Changing IP Address makes it harder for marketers and online trackers to build a long-term profile.
Disadvantages of Dynamic IP
- Remote Access: A computer with changing IP Address cannot be relied upon for remote access.
- Hosting Websites/Services: A computer with Dynamic IP Address is not suitable web hosting.
- Inaccurate Geolocation: Location indicated by a Dynamic IP Address cannot be relied, as the IP Address is likely to be randomly assigned from a pool.
- Service Interruption: There is always the possibility of Internet services being interrupted, if the ISP fails to assign the IP Address.
What is Static IP Address?
As indicated by the term, a “Static IP Address does not change and it remains static or stays the same for the duration of the service.
While the standard practice in residential internet services is to use Dynamic IP Address, Internet Service Provides can provide Static IP Address upon request and usually charge an extra monthly fee for this service.
Advantages of Static IP Address
- Remote Access: Computer with Static IP Address can provide reliable remote access, compared to a computer with shifting IP Address.
- Improved Security: Static IP address makes it easy to whitelist IP, setup firewalls and provide secure access to IP Restricted services.
- Stable Voice & Video Calls: Voice and video calling services based on VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) are known to perform better on devices with static IP addresses.
- Better Location Based Service: Location based services like weather & streaming services can accurately identify devices that are using static IP Addresses.
Disadvantages of Static IP Address
- Not Cost Effective: ISPs usually charge extra monthly fee for Static IP Address.
- Security/Privacy: Any device with fixed IP address is an easier target for attackers, trackers and marketers; compared to a device with dynamically assigned shifting IP Address.
- Manual Configuration: Static IP Address needs to be manually setup and configured by the user, unlike Dynamic IP address which gets automatically assigned by the DHCP.
- Difficult to Bypass Blocks: Once you are blocked from a website or service you stay blocked forever, as your IP Address does not change
Static vs Dynamic IP Which one do I need?
Most users who use the internet for browsing websites, watching videos, being on social media and playing online games do not really need a Static IP Address and should be fine with a Dynamic one.
Static IP Address is used by websites, web servers and businesses that provide remote access to their employees. Also, people that find the need to use VPN or remotely access their home or office computers can benefit from using a Static IP Address.