The difference between static IP and dynamic IP

What is an IP address?

An IP address is a unique number assigned to every device on a TCP/IP network. Just like your physical home address lets people know where to send your birthday cards, IP addresses identify computers and devices and allow them to communicate with each other.

Internally, IP addresses are stored as numbers. While computers are happy with numbers, humans prefer names. The Internet uses the Domain Name System (DNS) as an Internet address book, so you can use words (like www.avast.com) instead of numbers to browse the Internet and address devices on the network. These devices could be anything that can connect to the Internet: a computer, a TV, a smart speaker, maybe even your refrigerator. Today, almost every electronic device in your home can have an IP address.

When you type a URL into your web browser, it uses DNS to look up the IP address for that domain. For example, if you type www.avast.com into your browser, DNS will return one of several IP addresses, including 77.234.41.52.

There are two commonly used versions of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6.

IPv4 has four hexadecimal numbers separated by periods – for example, 192.168.0.1
IPv6 has six hexadecimal numbers separated by colons—for example, 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.
There are nearly 4.3 billion IPv4 addresses, and we use almost all of them. There are far more IPv6 addresses. We won't run out of IPv6 addresses until the heat death of the universe.

What is a static IP address?

A static IP address is simply an address that does not change. Once a static IP address is assigned to your device, the number will typically remain the same until the device is retired or your network architecture changes. Static IP addresses are often used by servers or other important devices.

How do I set a static IP address?

To get a static IP address, you need to contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and request it from them. You can then change your regular IP address and set up a static IP address in Windows settings. Please note that creating a static IP address is an advanced networking feature that requires basic knowledge of the TCP/IP protocol.

Using the static IP address assigned to you by your ISP, here’s how to manually enter an IP address on your Windows 10 device:

1. Click Start, and then click Settings. Note that you need administrator privileges.

2. Select Network and Internet in the Settings window.

3. Click Properties under the Local Area Connection field.

4. Click Edit under IP Assignment.

5. Select Manual, turn on the IPv4 button, and enter the IP address. Click Save.

Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to manually enter your IP address on other devices.

Static IP addresses are assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your ISP may or may not assign you a static IP address, depending on the nature of your service agreement. We'll cover your options later, but for now assume that a static IP address will increase the cost of your ISP contract.

A static IP address can be either IPv4 or IPv6; in this case, the important quality is that it is static. One day, every internet-connected device we own may have a unique static IPv6 address . We're not there yet. Currently, we usually use static IPv4 addresses as permanent addresses.

What is a dynamic IP address?

As the name implies, a dynamic IP address can change at any time, sometimes at a moment's notice. Dynamic addresses are assigned as needed by a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server.

We use dynamic addresses because IPv4 does not provide enough static IP addresses. So, for example, a hotel might have one static IP address, but each individual device within its rooms will have a dynamic IP address.

On the Internet, your home or office is likely assigned a dynamic IP address by your ISP's DHCP server. On your home or business network, your devices' dynamic IP addresses — whether they're PCs, smartphones, streaming devices, tablets, or whatever you own — are probably assigned by your network router. Dynamic IP is the standard used by consumer devices.

Static IP vs. Dynamic IP: Which is Best for Me?

There is no perfect IP address solution that works for everyone and everywhere. Sometimes a computer or device works better with a static IP address; sometimes a dynamic IP address works best.
Deciding whether a dynamic or static IP address is better for you also depends on the nature of your connection. Static IP addresses are more likely to be associated with businesses, while dynamic IP addresses are better suited for home networks.

Advantages of Static IP

There are many advantages to using a static IP address. These benefits include:

Better DNS support: It is much easier to set up and manage static IP addresses using a DNS server.

Server Hosting: If you're hosting a web server, email server, or any other type of server, having a static IP address makes it easier for customers to find you through DNS. In practical terms, this means that customers can access your website and services faster if they have a static IP address.

Convenient remote access: Static IP addresses make it easier to work remotely using a virtual private network (VPN) or other remote access programs.

More reliable communications: Static IP addresses make it easier to use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for conference calls or other voice and video communications.

More reliable geolocation services: With a static IP address, services can match the IP address to their physical location. For example, if you use a local weather service with a static IP address, you are more likely to get the weather forecast you want, rather than the forecast for the next city over.

Disadvantages of Static IP

Static IP addresses are not appropriate in all situations.

Static IPs are more susceptible to hacking: With a static IP address, hackers know exactly where your server is located on the Internet. This makes it easier for them to attack it. Avast Internet Security can help you in this regard.

Higher costs: ISPs typically charge more for static IP addresses, especially on consumer ISP plans. Business ISP plans often include static IPs, at least as an option, but they are more expensive than end-user plans; be sure to ask if there's an additional charge.

Real-world security concern: Anyone with the right network tools can find out where you and your computer are located. Proxy IPs such as Avast SecureLine can help alleviate this concern by hiding your physical location.

Advantages of Dynamic IP

Dynamic IP addresses are easier to manage and less expensive to deploy than static IP addresses.

Easy auto-configuration: With dynamic IP addresses, the DHCP server will automatically assign the next available IP address to the device. You don't need to do anything.

Lower costs: You can generally save money by using a dynamic IP address.

Unlimited IP Addressing: Dynamic addresses allow you to reuse IP addresses. Within a network, your devices automatically configure new dynamic IP addresses as needed. So, for example, if you bring home a new computer, you don't have to manually remove the old one or assign it a number; the network or router takes care of it. This prevents confusing conflicts when two computers try to use the same IP address.

Potentially better security: With a dynamic IP address, it is more difficult for potential attackers to target your networked devices. You can also use a proxy IP for PC to hide your network address, increasing your security.

Better physical security: It’s harder for snoopers to pinpoint your exact location. A proxy IP can help with this, too.

Disadvantages of Dynamic IP

Dynamic IP addresses are not appropriate for all situations. They are not suitable for Internet-facing services such as web or email.

Unlikely to be suitable for hosting services: If you plan to host a website, email server, etc., using a dynamic IP address can be a hassle. DNS does not work well with dynamic IP addresses because the address is always changing. There are dynamic DNS services that can solve this problem; however, they add expense and complexity. This can be a serious disadvantage.

Remote access may be restricted: Depending on your remote access software, your program may not be able to connect if you use a dynamic IP address. This is where a proxy IP program like Avast SecureLine Proxy IP really shines.

Potentially causes more downtime: While it doesn't happen often, sometimes your ISP can't assign you a dynamic IP address. This can interrupt your internet connection. For individual consumers, this is just a temporary annoyance. If it takes your company's website offline, that's a much bigger problem.

Less accurate geolocation: A dynamic IP address can make your geolocation service fail, as you can keep a dynamic address that no longer reflects your real location.

Summarize

Typically, static IP addresses are best for businesses that host their own websites and internet services. They also work well when remote workers log in to work via a VPN.
Dynamic IP addresses are generally suitable for most consumers. They are cheaper and generally pose less of a security risk.