Internet service providers can assign both Static and Dynamic type of IP Addresses to their customers. Hence, it is important that you understand the difference between Static and Dynamic IP Address.
The purpose of assigning either a dynamic or static IP Address to connected devices is to make them easily and uniquely identified on the network, which in-turn helps these devices to connect with other devices and services on the network.
Similar to a home address, which identifies and differentiates your own house from other houses, an IP Address identifies and differentiates your phone and computer from millions of other phones and computers on the internet.
What is Static IP Address?
As the term indicates, a Static IP Address is a set of unique numbers assigned to your computer that do not change and stay the same all the time.
A Static IP address usually needs to be purchased and requires you to pay an extra monthly fee to your Internet service provider.
Advantages of Static IP Address:
- Faster Upload speeds
- Faster Download speeds
- Stable Connection
- Great for Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP)
- Great for hosting or creating servers
Disadvantages of Static IP Address:
- Requires an Extra Fee
- Less Security
- Once you are blocked from a website or service you stay blocked forever, as your IP Address does not change
- Hard to Setup
What is Dynamic IP Address?
Unlike the Static IP Address, a Dynamic IP Address can be changed by the Internet Service provides at any time. Depending on the service provider, Dynamic IP’s may change daily, weekly or even remain the same for months.
In general, Dynamic IP Addresses are randomly assigned and Internet Service providers do not charge any extra IP Address fee for this regular type of IP Address.
Advantages of Dynamic IP:
- Good Security
- No need to pay any Extra Fees
- Very Easy to Setup
- You get unblocked from a service/website quickly as your IP address changes
Disadvantages of Dynamic IP
- Not the best option for hosting/creating servers
- Slower Download Speeds than Static IP’s
- Slower Upload Speeds than Static IP’s
Static vs Dynamic IP | Which one do I need?
Most users who use the internet for browsing websites, Gmail, Social media, downloading/uploading files and gaming do not really need a static IP Address and should be fine with a dynamic one.
If you use the internet for creating servers, hosting servers or websites or need to white list your IP address for security purposes, you should go for a static IP.