Difference between Static IP & Dynamic IP Address?

Have you heard the terms Static and Dynamic IP Address and wondered what they are and how are they connected to our day-to-day lives?

To understand what these terms mean. Let’s first look into the definition of IP Address.

What is IP Address?

IP Address or Internet Protocol Address is the Protocol required for communication over the internet between two devices. These can be both private or public.

The communication over the internet or the World Wide Web, no matter what scale or size it is, all depends on the IP Address it is connected to for safely pass it on to the correct medium.

We can easily detect an IP Address as it is easy to locate. It is a set of  8 Digit numbers. This can be found on every network.

We have covered in the detail What is IP Address?, check it out.

We can compare our IP address to our address, over the internet network. As of now, we see two different types of IP Address Standards.

IPv4 and IPv6.

Earlier IPv4 (32 bits) was widely used but now with the technology increasing in leaps and bounds IPv6 (128 bits) has started to replace it.

An example for IPv4 Address in terms of binary is

11000000.10101000.00000001.00000000

And this can also be read as a decimal with dots as

192.168.1.0.

The dotted decimal is easier to read.

Static IP Address:

As the word, static defines something that is not moved or that which stays still. Similarly, a Static IP Address means a set or fixed IP Address. We use this IP Address where it is compulsory to have a fixed address on your network. For your day-to-day internet activities, the Static IP Address is given.

Dynamic IP Address:

The Dynamic IP Address means fluctuating or changing IP Address. Here the IP Address is issued following the user’s demand. These Addresses are available among many other such fluctuating addresses. There are some cases where it is not entirely compulsory to have a fixed IP Address as when you have guests at home and use your Wi-Fi for a limited period. What happens here is that there are several IP Address and they are allotted to users using the DHCP service randomly.

A dynamic IP Address is termed to be temporary and changes with every login. The devices or the computer systems that are guests on some networks have a dynamic IP Address. An interesting feature is even though it’s not consistent like Static IP Address, it is much simpler to create and function.

Differences between Static IP Address and Dynamic IP Address.

• Source:

In Static IP Address, the Source is direct from the Internet Service Providers.

The Dynamic IP Address is issued from the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

• Chance of Risk:

A static IP Address is riskier as it is a permanent address.

Dynamic IP Address being a temporary address is a little more secure.

• Nature:

Static IP Address just like the word is fixed in nature and is Static or permanent and cannot be changed.

Dynamic IP Address is flexible and gets changed at every login.

• Tracking of devices using the IP address:

In Static IP Address, the devices like laptops or computers are tracked down easily as it is always the same.

Whereas when we talk about Dynamic IP Address we know that as it is changing, it is difficult but again not impossible to track them down over it.

• Cost of Maintenance:

Static IP Address is very costly and needs more time and money for maintenance.

Dynamic IP Address is cost-effective and cheap and easily manageable.

• Assigning of IP Address:

Assigning an IP Address is a difficult task when you are dealing with the Static IP Address. The same goes when you are required to reassign it. The process is complicated and requires much manpower, money, and patience.

Dynamic IP Addresses are assigned effortlessly and can be reassigned in the same manner.

• Reliability:

Static IP Addresses are very reliable and are stable.

Dynamic IP Addresses are comparatively less reliable than Static IP Addresses.

 Steps to change Static IP Address to Dynamic IP Address

1. In Windows:

You can use the following steps in any of the windows versions up to windows 10.

1. Open your computer or laptop and click on the start menu which is on the bottom left corner in the taskbar.
2. Now search for Network and Sharing Center.
3. A list of options appears and in it click on the “Change Adapter Settings” which is on the left side.
4. Now on the Green Internet icon, Right-click on the “wireless connection adaptor”.
5. Navigate through the options and click on the “Properties”.
6. A window pops open and click on IPv4 from the Networking tab.
7. Now click on its properties.
8. Next proceed to “Obtain an IP address automatically” and then click on “Obtain DNS Server address automatically”.
9. This will give your system a Dynamic IP Address.
10. Now to save the above settings click “OK”.

 

2. In Mac

3. In your Mac Software devices, Click on the Wi-Fi icon and select the “Open Network Preferences”.
4. Now select the Advanced button in the Wi-Fi connections.
5. Now under the “TCP/IP”, Click on “Using DHCP” And then “Configure IPv4” .
6. Save the settings by clicking on “OK”.

We hope that this article has helped you.

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.