Static IP vs Dynamic IP: Difference and Comparison

The lifespan of an allocated IP address is the gap between a static as well as a dynamic IP address. Usually, a static IP address is directly allocated to a system for an extended length of time.

Whereas the Dynamic IP address is automatically placed and varies every time, the user starts up his or her system.

Key Takeaways

  1. Static IP addresses are permanently assigned to a device, while dynamic IP addresses change periodically through DHCP.
  2. Static IPs are beneficial for hosting servers, remote access, and reliable communication between devices, whereas dynamic IPs are suitable for casual browsing and home networks.
  3. Dynamic IPs offer more security due to their changing nature, while static IPs can be more vulnerable to targeted attacks.

Static IP vs Dynamic IP

Dynamic IP addresses are more commonly used than static IP addresses because they are easier to manage and require less configuration. Static IP addresses may be necessary for certain situations where a device needs to be accessed from the internet with a consistent internet protocol (IP) address.

Static IP vs Dynamic IP

A static IP address has been explicitly allocated to a device rather than one that has been issued by a DHCP server. Since it does not change, it is termed static.

It’s the complete antithesis of a dynamic IP address, which changes regularly. A static IP address would also be a 32-bit number that is allocated to a system to use as an internet protocol address.

An IP address that evolves from period to period and is just not the same is known as a dynamic IP address. Users mostly have a dynamic IP address if they have a household cable or DSL subscription.

Consumers are offered dynamic IP addresses by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) as they’re more cost-efficient.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonStatic IPDynamic IP
DefinitionThe static IP Address is provided by the Internet Service Provider or ISP. Also, it doesn’t really change with the course of time (i.e. with passing days or months).On the other hand, to obtain dynamic IP addresses, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is employed. At any moment, it can be modified.
Security and DesignationThe use of a static IP address becomes less reliable. It gets hard to attribute or redistribute a static IP address.Because dynamic IP addresses are volatile in nature, they are less dangerous. It is simple to assign as well as redistribute dynamic IP addresses.
Tracking and StabilityTracing a device with a static IP address is simple. Also, it is perfectly robust.Whereas, devices with dynamic IP addresses are tough to track down. The stability of dynamic IP addresses is worse than that of static IP addresses.
PriceMaintaining a static IP address is quite expensive.On the other hand, dynamic IP addresses are less expensive to use and manage than static IP addresses.
Which is betterStatic IP can be attacked due to its non-changeable nature, it isn’t preferred by many.Dynamic IP addresses seem to be more dependable than static ones since they avoid the time-consuming procedure of manual settings.

What is Static IP?

It’s an IP address, which gets explicitly assigned to a system instead of one that was assigned to it by a DHCP server.

The term “static IP address” refers to the fact that it does not change. Static IP addresses are dependent on fixed IP addresses because of this.

A static IP can get assigned to any system that provides access to the internet, including a laptop, workstation, tablet, smartphone, modem, or any other gadget that offers internet access.

It is established by customizing the equipment that distributes IP addresses to users’ devices, which is a router.

One more way to make sense about a static IP address is that it’s the same as their real home IP. Until the users relocate, the address will remain the same.

The reason users would want to adhere to one location is to make yourself easier to find, and even this use case also pertains to a static IP address.

What is Dynamic IP?

A dynamic IP address is a transient address that varies with time for machines hooked up to the internet.

An IP address is a unique identifier that machines use to designate hosts and networking devices, as well as distinct locations on a connection. 

Dynamic IP addresses are generated from a reservoir of many other IP addresses and shift every few weeks to a few seasons. Users’ ISP’s DHCP server might assign a dynamic IP address to your home or workplace over the network. 

The routing protocol is likely to provide dynamic IP addresses to your gadgets inside the user’s home or business network, even if they are private PCs, cellphones, streaming media gadgets, tablets, or whatever else.

IP addresses can be reused with dynamic domains. User’s devices are deployed with a new dynamic IP address as required within networking.

So, if someone brings home a new desktop, they won’t have to actively remove the existing one or grant it a number since the networking or router will handle it for you.

Main Differences Between Static IP and Dynamic IP

  1. The static IP address is set, which implies it cannot be altered unless the user requests it. On the other hand, the Dynamic IP varies regularly and each moment the consumer connects to the internet.
  2. Because static IP addresses are continuously consistent, the accompanying danger of website hijacking is high. In contrast, there is less risk associated with dynamic IP addresses.
  3. It is possible to trace a device if it is set up with a static IP address. Within terms of dynamic IP addresses, monitoring the device is challenging because the IP address is constantly altering.
  4. Based on the terms of consumption, Static IP Addresses are ideal for devoted channels such as email, FTP, and VPN workstations. Whereas, Dynamic IP Addresses are ideal for a large system that contains internet connectivity for all or some of the units.
  5. It is possible to trace these devices if they are installed with a static IP address. While with Dynamic IP Addresses, tracking these machines are challenging because the IP Address is always shifting.
References
  1. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/1282380.1282415
  2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5487500

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023

dot 1
One request?

I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️

Leave a Comment

Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!