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 each other from any part of the world.

There are two types of IP addresses: Static and Dynamic. Static IP address is the address that doesn’t change and remain 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 interval of time or on each new connection with the Internet Service Provider.

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.

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

The static IP addresses have benefits of constant connectivity with the rest of the world and no need for renewal. But there are drawbacks of exposure to the malicious users across the globe.

The static IP addresses would invite all kinds of hackers who might want to expose sensitive information on the servers with static IP. In this regards even though the dynamic IP addresses have the overhead of renewal after the lease expires, they are much safer options compared to static IP address assignments.

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

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