The concepts, differences, and application scenarios of dynamic IP and static IP

A dynamic IP address is a variable, temporary IP address that is dynamically assigned to network devices by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Each time a device connects to the Internet, it receives a new IP address and releases it after it disconnects and the lease period expires. This means that the same device may have a different IP address each time it connects to the Internet.

A static IP address is a fixed, permanent IP address that is manually assigned and configured by an administrator or network service provider. Once an IP address is set to static, it will remain the same unless manually changed by an administrator or reassigned by a network service provider.

The differences between them are as follows:

Static IP addresses are generally more stable than dynamic IP addresses because they do not change, while dynamic IP addresses may change at any time. In applications that need to run for a long time, using static IP addresses can ensure a more reliable network connection.
Dynamic IP addresses are generally more secure than static IP addresses because it is difficult for attackers to track an IP address that is constantly changing. However, static IP addresses can help prevent certain types of network attacks, such as DDoS attacks.
Dynamic IP addresses are usually cheaper than static IP addresses because they are automatically assigned by the network service provider, while static IP addresses need to be manually configured and managed. To a certain extent, static IP addresses also require additional hardware equipment support.
Using a static IP address requires more management and configuration work, while using a dynamic IP address does not require as much management and configuration. Therefore, if you are not familiar with network configuration and management, it is recommended to use a dynamic IP address.
1. Introduction to the concept and function of IP address
1.1 Definition of IP address
An IP address refers to an Internet Protocol address, which is a unique numerical identifier assigned to a device connected to the Internet. It is a 32-bit binary number, usually expressed as 4 decimal numbers separated by decimal points. An IP address is used to determine the location of a device in a network and to communicate with other devices. Each device must have a unique IP address in order to be able to send and receive data correctly.

1.2. The role of IP address
The main purpose of IP addresses is to identify and locate devices connected to the Internet. They allow data to be transmitted over the network and ensure that it is correctly sent to the intended device. IP addresses can also be used to restrict or control access to specific devices or networks, such as firewalls and routers. In addition, IP addresses can be used to track online activities, monitor network traffic, and diagnose connection and network problems.

2. The difference between dynamic IP and static IP
2.1 Definition of Dynamic IP and Static IP Dynamic IP refers to a variable IP address that is dynamically assigned by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) each time a network device connects to the Internet. This IP address usually only changes each time it connects to the Internet.

Static IP refers to a fixed IP address assigned by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) when a network device is connected to the Internet. This IP address usually does not change when the network device is disconnected and reconnected. Static IP is usually used for devices such as servers that need to provide services to the outside world.

2.2. Characteristics of dynamic IP and static IP Characteristics of dynamic IP:

A dynamic IP is dynamically assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), so you will have a new IP address every time you connect to the Internet.
Dynamic IP uses a randomly assigned IP address and does not require manual settings by the user.
Dynamic IP is suitable for general families and individual users, because these users generally only need to browse the Internet, download and other basic operations, and do not need to provide external services.
Features of static IP:

A static IP address is assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and you will use the same IP address every time you connect to the Internet.
Static IP uses a fixed IP address and requires manual settings by the user.
Static IP is suitable for devices that need to provide external services, such as servers, cameras, etc. Because these devices need to use fixed IP addresses to ensure remote access.
Static IPs are highly reliable because they do not change randomly and can be easily found by other computers or devices.
2.3. Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of dynamic IP and static IP Both dynamic IP and static IP are unique addresses used to identify network devices, but they have different advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of dynamic IP:

Easy to manage: Since the dynamic IP is dynamically assigned by the server, there is no need for manual configuration, making it easier to manage.
High security: Dynamic IPs change regularly, which is a benefit for security as it prevents attackers from using known IPs to attack.
Cost saving: Since dynamic IP is provided by ISP and changes frequently during use, it can save certain costs.
Disadvantages of dynamic IP:

Need to be reset: Every time the IP address is changed, the IP address or DNS information of the related applications needs to be reset, which leads to a poor user experience.
Not easy to access remotely: Since the IP address changes dynamically, it is not easy to access remotely.
Not suitable for servers: Due to the changes in dynamic IP addresses, it is not suitable for scenarios such as servers that require long-term stable operation.
Advantages of static IP:

Convenient remote access: Since the static IP address is fixed, it is very convenient for remote access.
Suitable for servers: Static IP addresses are suitable for scenarios such as servers that require long-term stable operation.
Easy to manage: Since static IP addresses are fixed, they are easy to manage and maintain.
Disadvantages of static IP:

Higher cost: Since you need to purchase a static IP address, the cost is higher.
Low security: Since static IP addresses are fixed, attackers can easily use known IP addresses to launch attacks.
Inflexible: Since static IP addresses are fixed, they cannot adapt to changes in the network environment.
3. Application scenarios of dynamic IP and static IP
3.1. Application Scenarios of Dynamic IP Dynamic IP is suitable for scenarios where the network equipment is small in scale, flexible network connection is required, economic conditions are limited, or a temporary network needs to be established.

Home network: In home network, dynamic IP address is usually used. Because the home network equipment is small and does not need to run stably for a long time, it is more convenient to use dynamic IP.
Mobile devices: Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets need to access the Internet, and these devices usually use dynamic IP addresses because it is convenient to connect to the network at any time.
Small businesses: Small businesses are usually small in scale and have limited economic conditions, so using dynamic IP addresses can save costs and facilitate management.
Public places: When public places such as cafes and libraries provide free wireless network services, dynamic IP addresses are usually used to facilitate different users to access the network.
Temporary network: In some special cases, a temporary network needs to be established, such as exhibitions, concerts, etc. At this time, it is more convenient to use a dynamic IP because it can assign a new IP address at any time.
3.2. Application Scenarios of Static IP Static IP is suitable for devices and services that require a stable, reliable, and high-speed network environment, as well as those that require remote management and maintenance.

Server: Static IP is a commonly used IP address type for servers, which can ensure the stability and reliability of the server and facilitate management and remote access.
Remote work: Remote work requires a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection. Static IP makes the VPN connection more stable and also facilitates the management and maintenance of remote devices.
Security monitoring: Static IP can facilitate the configuration and management of security equipment such as video surveillance and alarm systems, while also improving data transmission speed and stability.
Game server: Game server relies on stable network connection and smooth transmission speed. Static IP can provide a better network environment and ensure the quality of game experience.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone: VoIP calls require a stable network connection and clear call quality. Static IP can provide a better network environment and ensure the quality and stability of calls.
4. How to set dynamic IP and static IP
4.1、The setting method of dynamic IP takes Windows as an example.

(1) Open the "Network and Sharing Center" on your computer and select "Change adapter settings".

(2) Find the network connection for which you want to set a dynamic IP, right-click it and select "Properties".

(3) In the "Local Area Connection Properties" window, find "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)", select it, and click "Properties".

(4) In the "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties" window, select "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically".

(5) After confirming the settings, click "OK" to save them. Close all windows and restart the computer for the settings to take effect.

Note: Dynamic IP is assigned by a router or DHCP server, so when setting a dynamic IP, you need to ensure that the router or DHCP server is working properly.

4.2. The static IP setting method takes Windows as an example. It is the same as the previous dynamic IP address setting, except that the IP and DNS are manually set in step (4).

Note: The settings for different operating systems may differ slightly. For specific settings, please refer to the corresponding operating system help documentation.

5. Conclusion Choosing the appropriate IP address type needs to be determined based on specific needs, and multiple factors such as network scale, network topology, and allocation method need to be considered.

IPv4 or IPv6: IPv4 addresses are no longer sufficient, and IPv6 addresses can provide more address space.
Public or private address: A public address is a globally unique address that can be used to connect to the Internet, while a private address can only be used within a local network.
Static or dynamic address: A static address is an address that remains unchanged when assigned to a device, while a dynamic address is a temporary address that is automatically assigned by a DHCP server.
Subnet mask: Select an appropriate subnet mask based on the network size and the number of addresses that need to be allocated.
Network topology: Select the appropriate IP address type and address range based on the actual network topology. For example, use private addresses in the local area network and public addresses in the public network.