What Are Static and Dynamic IP Addresses?

Computer systems that need to connect to the internet are assigned a unique identification number which is known as the IP address or the Internet Protocol Address.

Each system on the internet will have a unique IP making it possible to connect and communicate with other systems from any part of the world.

There are two types of IP addresses: static and dynamic. A static IP address is an address that doesn’t change and remains permanent.

These kinds of IP addresses are normally assigned to systems that need a static connectivity over a long period of time.

Dynamic IP addresses are those addresses that change at regular intervals of time or on each new connection with the internet service provider (ISP).

Any ISP would have a pool of IP addresses and they allot their subscribers IP addresses based on the IP addresses that are available from that pool.

Most of the web servers across the world have static IP addresses. If these web servers are on dynamic addresses, then it would be very hard for people to locate them and access the websites that have been published on those servers.

Another important reason why organizations would want to have a static IP address is to have VPN connectivity between different offices.

Static IP addresses have the benefit of constant connectivity with the rest of the world and no need for renewal. But there are drawbacks of exposure to malicious users from all over the world.

Static IP addresses invite all kinds of hackers who might want to steal sensitive information from the servers with a static IP. In this respect, even though dynamic IP addresses face the cost of renewal after the lease expires, they are a much safer option compared to static IP address assignments.

Static IP addresses are more expensive compared to dynamic IP addresses.

It entirely depends on the usage and need for connectivity when determining which form of IP addressing would suit the company or organization.