What is the Difference Between Static and Dynamic IP Address

The main difference between static and dynamic IP address is that the static IP address is a fixed address assigned to a device manually by a network administrator while the dynamic IP address is an address assigned to a device automatically by a DHCP server.

A computer network consists of various devices such as desktops, laptops, servers, routers, and, switches to share data and resources. These devices are connected together using wired or wireless medium. Each device in the network has an address to recognize it. Hence, this address is called the IP address, which stands for Internet Protocol Address. The IP address helps the devices in the network to communicate with each other. Furthermore, there are two types of IP address. Namely, they are static IP address and dynamic IP address. A static IP address is a permanent address assigned to a device while a dynamic address is a temporary address that changes frequently.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Static IP Address
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is a Dynamic IP Address
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Difference Between Static and Dynamic IP Address
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

IP Address, Static IP, Dynamic IP

What is a Static IP Address

Static IP address is a fixed IP address assigned to the device manually. It was the original method to assign IP addresses to the devices in the network. Here, for each computer, the network administrator has to open the network configuration page and manually type the IP address. Additionally, the administrator should also include details such as subnet mask and default gateway. Moreover, this process had to be followed on all the devices in the network.  Thus, it is difficult to assign static IP addresses when there are a large number of devices in the network.

Figure 1: IP address

However, the static IP address is not changed until it is manually changed by the network administrator or the Internet Service Provider (ISP). Also, this address does not change each time when the user connects to the network. In other words, the device always uses the same IP address to connect to the internet. Therefore, the static IP addressing provides multiple advantages. It gives minimum downtime while providing remote access. Also, the user can access the device from any location.

What is a Dynamic IP Address

A dynamic IP address is an address obtained from a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. It assigns a device with dynamic IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and a DNS server. In a Microsoft computer, selecting the option “obtain an IP address automatically” in the network property window will set the device to obtain an IP address dynamically.

The dynamic IP address changes frequently. Each time the device connects to the network, the dynamic IP address changes. When the device tries to connect to the network, the DHCP server provides a dynamic address. When the user types a URL on the web browser, the DNS server maps the domain name to the IP address.  Overall, Dynamic IP addressing is automatic and it makes managing a network easier.

Difference Between Static IP Address and Dynamic IP Address

Definition

Static IP Address or Static Internet Protocol Address is a permanent numeric address manually assigned to a device in the network. Dynamic IP Address or Dynamic Internet Protocol Address is a temporary IP address that is assigned to a device or a node when it is connected to a network. Thus, this is the main difference between static and dynamic IP address.

Assigned by

Another difference between static and dynamic IP address is that the static IP address is assigned manually by the network administrator while dynamic IP address is assigned by the DHCP server automatically.

Changes

Static IP address does not change once it is assigned to a device. However, dynamic IP address changes each time the device connects to the network. Hence, this is also a major difference between static and dynamic IP address.

Security

Furthermore, the static IP address is less secure while the dynamic IP address is more secure.

Manageability

Also, assigning static IP addresses is difficult. But, assigning dynamic IP addresses is easier.

Usage

Concerning the usage, the static IP addresses are suitable for dedicated services such as mail, FTP and VPN servers. While, the dynamic IP addresses are suitable for a large network that requires internet access to all the devices.

Conclusion

IP address helps the devices in the network to communicate with other devices. Static and dynamic are two IP address types. The basic difference between static and dynamic IP address is that static IP address is a fixed address assigned to a device manually by a network administrator while a dynamic IP address is an address assigned to a device automatically by a DHCP server.

Reference:

1. DHCP Explained – Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, PowerCert Animated Videos, 1 May 2017, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Ipv4 address” By Indeterminate – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia