An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique number assigned to every device that accesses the Internet. This number follows a specific format: four groups of numbers separated by "dots." IP addresses contain geographic location and other identifiers that enable devices to send and receive information to each other.
There are two types of IP addresses, dynamic and static
Dynamic IP Address
Internet Service Providers usually issue a dynamic IP address when you set up your device because it saves money for both the provider and you. It's reliable and automatic, and it doesn't cost you anything extra to use the IP address provided.
As the name implies, a dynamic IP address changes intermittently, meaning you may have a different IP address each time you log in. There are several reasons why you might need to know your address, including troubleshooting a device or connecting remotely. There are services that can help you find your unique address no matter how many times it changes.
Dynamic IP addresses are usually sufficient for casual browsing and home use, but if you're a business owner, a user who needs to be geographically located in another country, a gamer, or someone who wants to add an extra layer of security to your network, you should consider upgrading to a static IP address.
Static IP address
A static IP address is fixed, meaning it never changes. These are preferred for computers set up as servers, devices sharing printers, or devices connecting to a server from anywhere. Static IP addresses provide a more reliable geographic location and improve network security. They also give users more features and additional control over network connections, including greater reliability and consistent availability.
Businesses can use static addresses for strategic purposes, such as hosting and creating servers, using VPNs, and allocating dedicated services including email. Regardless of your physical location, static IP addresses can be selected in any geographic location, making them a flexible option for international operations.
Demystifying IP Addresses and DNS
Both IP addresses and DNS are systems used to identify users on a network. IP addresses serve as the physical addresses of devices, while DNS gives them names for easier searching.
DNS (Domain Name Server) stores all IP addresses and their corresponding domain names (e.g. https://whatismyip.network ) into a database. When you type in a domain name, DNS converts your request into an IP address search. Once the IP address is found, the website is loaded. Think of DNS as a phone book that stores all the phone numbers and corresponding names in one place. Since it's impossible to remember every IP address of a site you visit, DNS keeps track of the associated IP addresses for you.
Why set a static IP address?
While dynamic IP addresses work fine for normal browsers, sometimes setting a static IP address makes more sense.
Easier for administrators
Static IP addresses are easier for administrators to maintain. Dynamic IP addresses require a procedure to change or assign addresses, and users may need to change computer settings. Static addresses make it easier to assign access and permissions and track Internet traffic.
Hosting Server
Using a single dedicated IP address allows for better remote access to closed networks. These fixed addresses allow different computers and operating systems to search for a single IP address. This consistency also allows computers to find the server regardless of its physical location.
Easily connect to your computer
In today’s remote world, it is very important to be able to find the files and other information stored on your computer even when you are not near it. Static IP addresses allow users to connect their computers from anywhere using a VPN. If the device is connected, all the information stored in it can be accessed.
Setting up your own email server
There are many reasons why you might want to set up your own email server, from privacy concerns to filtering unwanted communications so that you can control your own messaging.
VoIP Reliability
Static IP addresses improve the reliability of VoIP calls and applications like Skype, Zoom, Google Meets, and Facetime.
Increase speed
Transferring files, uploading documents, and downloading content is faster with a static IP address than with a device that is assigned a dynamic IP address.
Enhanced security
Dynamic IP addresses are more secure because they are constantly changing, and static IP addresses have an extra layer of security that helps ensure that any potential security issues are prevented.
Better tracking
Static IP addresses provide more accurate geolocation data. This can be beneficial whether you are mining geodata from website visitors or ensuring your business’s location in local listings is accurate.
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