There exist two types of IP addresses: static and dynamic. Both versions have specific roles. Both have strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to choose the right type for your networking needs.
IP (Internet Protocol) addresses work like digital street addresses that let devices find each other online. Every internet device has a unique IP address. All of these addresses can be converted into text formats via the Domain Name System (DNS) format.
An IP address (internet protocol address) acts as a unique identifier for a device that connects to the internet. Computers use IP addresses to locate and talk to each other on the internet, much the same way people use phone numbers to locate and talk to one another on the telephone. An IP address can provide information such as the hosting provider and geographic location data.
This forms the basis of the World Wide Web.
Understanding static IP
A static IP address is a 32-bit number assigned to a computer as an address on the internet. This number is in the form of a dotted quad and is typically provided by an internet service provider (ISP).
The word “static” means unchanging, and this is a good description of how a static IP address works. The static IP meaning refers to an IP address that is assigned to a device and remains constant, as opposed to a dynamic IP address that changes each time the device connects to the internet. Users assign them to individual devices or resources. The address then applies for as long as users desire.
Static IP address types are typically found in devices like web servers. This form of IP address is usually utilized by businesses that need to communicate globally and want a fixed identity.
Since they are finite and must be assigned individually, static addresses come with monthly fees. This is not the case with a dynamic IP address.
How static IP addresses work
Because static IP addresses are not the default provided by most ISP companies, if an individual or organization wants one, they first have to call their ISP and ask to assign their device — such as router for example — a static IP address. Once the device is set up with a new and unchanging IP address, they will have to restart their device once. Computers or other devices behind the router will use the same IP address.
Once the IP address is in place, it doesn’t require any steps to manage, since it doesn’t change.
There is a limit to the number of static IP addresses available, however, meaning requesting a static IP address will often cost money. IPv6 is an idea to get around this issue. IPv6 lengthens IP addresses from 32 bits to 128 bits (16 bytes) and increases the number of available IP addresses significantly, making static IP addresses easier and less expensive to obtain and maintain.
A large portion of internet traffic still uses IPv4 today, but more internet traffic is shifting to the use of IPv6 — meaning both are in use today.
IPv6 allows for up to 340 undecillion unique IP addresses. For reference, that is 340 followed by a total of 36 zeros, or 340 trillion, trillion, trillion unique IP addresses that can now be assigned. This extension to the total amount of IP addresses allows for considerable future growth of the internet and provides relief for what was perceived as a future shortage of network addresses.
How to obtain a static address
To obtain a static IP address, first, an individual will need to pick the device they want to assign the static IP address to, and then they will need to find the MAC address on the chosen device.
On a router, the MAC address can normally be found on a sticker on its bottom. If unsure of what the MAC address is, the individual’s ISP should be able to provide the information. The MAC address may also be labeled as a physical address. From this point, the individual should contact their ISP and ask to purchase a static IP address. The ISP should then ask for the device’s MAC address.
From this point, it will likely take a couple of days for the ISP to assign the device with a static IP address. However, once the device is assigned a new, unchanging IP address, the user will need to reset their device at least once.
To view what the IP address is in the Windows operating system such as a user should open up the Control Panel from the Start menu, open either the Network Sharing Center or Network and Internet option, then select Network and Sharing Center. The user should then select the Change Adapter Settings option, right-click on Wi-Fi, and select the Properties option. From here, they should click the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option, followed by Properties, and use the following IP address.
The user should be able to see the IP address, Subnet mask, default gateway and DNS server and make changes to those options. After selecting OK, the IP address should be displayed.
How to set up a static IP address
To set up a DHCP reservation, you need to know your IP address, which is easy enough to find out. You must then head to your router’s configuration page—usually by typing its IP address in your browser’s navigation bar—and log in. (For mesh Wi-Fi systems, you would use an app instead of a config page.)
The location is different for every config page, but you’re looking for something called “DHCP reservations,” “static IP addresses,” or similar. On my Asus router, for instance, it’s in the LAN settings category.
To assign a reservation, you need the MAC address of the device in question. This is a unique string of characters that identifies a particular network adapter, and you can usually find it in your router’s list of connected devices. Make sure you’re getting the MAC address for the correct network adapter—if you have both Ethernet and Wi-Fi on your computer, you have one MAC address for each.
On your router’s config page, enter an easy-to-remember label for the device (like “Whitson’s Desktop PC”), the MAC address, and your desired IP address. Save your changes, and repeat the process for any other IP addresses you want to reserve.
From then on, those devices should have your reserved IP addresses assigned to them, and you will never have to look them up again.
Benefits of static IP addresses
Businesses can get the most out of static IPs. Even if you’re not hosting anything online, you’d still probably want seamless remote access. Here are the main benefits of static IPs:
- DNS functionality. Website managers need to couple IP addresses with DNS information. A static IP address provides a better fit for DNS servers because it never changes. The DNS server can connect consistently with the same static IP address, resulting in smoother operations.
- Website hosting. A static IP address comes into its own when used with web servers. With a static address, site visitors will find it easier to locate a website on the internet. Connection speeds may also be slightly quicker. This can be an advantage in areas like finance where rapid transactions make a major difference.
- Voice communication. Voice-over-IP (VoIP) works much better with static IP addresses. This benefits companies that rely on teleconferencing or any type of video transmission.
- Remote access benefits. Static IPs make it possible to establish consistent connections between remote workers and central networks. Wherever employees need to work, they can use the same IP address. This identifies their devices to network servers – a simple remote work solution.
- Reliable geolocation. Static addresses make it easier to identify where you are. This is a big advantage to any services that depend on geolocation, such as weather or traffic updates.
- IP allowlisting. If remote workers have a static IP address, security teams can use that address to filter legitimate traffic. Allowlisting supplements, firewalls, and VPNs. It effectively hides network resources from outsiders whose IP is not allowlisted. As a result, it also promotes better data security.
Static vs dynamic IP
Compared to a static IP, dynamic IP addresses constantly change.
When an individual signs up with an ISP, they are provided with either a static or dynamic IP address. Most use cases today will see people using dynamic IP addresses over static IP addresses — especially in home use; however, static IP address still has some advantages in select business-centric use cases.
The main difference between static and dynamic IP addresses is in the terminology of static and dynamic. In a literary sense, the term static character means a character that stays the same throughout a story, and the term dynamic character refers to a character that changes throughout a story. Static and dynamic IP addresses follow the same pattern — as static refers to unchanging, and dynamic refers to changing. This means that the numbers associated with a static IP address do not change, while the numbers associated with a dynamic IP address do change.
Normally, a dynamic IP address can stay the same for days, weeks or longer, but can also be changed by the ISP or through a reset of the router or modem as well. The address change does not affect the end user either. The address can even change while the user is on the web. In most cases, in-home use for example, when an ISP assigns a device an IP address, it will be a dynamic IP address.
A static IP address does not change and, in most cases, will cost an additional fee through the ISP. Static IP addresses have to be reserved from a limited number of IP addresses. Static IP addresses will stay the same no matter what the user does unless they request their ISP to change it. Businesses might want to use a static IP address to ease operations.
In most cases, however, a dynamic IP address is the cheaper, better option.
Benefits of dynamic IP addresses
While dynamic IPs definitely have their own benefits, they won’t be enough for a bigger organization with its own servers and a hybrid work model. Here’s what you get with a dynamic IP:
- Cost. A dynamic IP address is usually cheaper to use than static alternatives. There is no regular fee. Addresses are assigned in the background as part of ISP packages.
- Simple configuration. Users do not need to configure a dynamic IP address manually. The address changes without users knowing. DHCP will automatically switch addresses, leaving users with no additional admin tasks.
- Fewer device conflicts. Static IPs can conflict if used for one or more devices. For example, you may add extra workstations to a corporate network. Dynamic addresses are unlimited and reusable. So, any new devices will immediately gain unique identifiers.
- Security benefits. Hackers may obtain static IPs and use them to breach network resources. Because a dynamic IP address changes regularly, it presents a moving target. This makes life harder for potential attackers, especially when combined with VPN protection.
- Privacy. Static IPs provide constant evidence of your physical location. This can be useful for external snoopers and thieves. Also, it’s harder to pin down your device location with a dynamic IP address. This results in enhanced physical security.
Recommended Articles
- Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: What It Is & How To Perform It
- PII In Cybersecurity: What Is It And How Does It Work?
- What Is SOAR In Cybersecurity? Definition, Tools & Benefits
- What Is Keylogging & How Does It Work?
- CIA Triad in Cybersecurity: What Is It & Why Is It Important?
- What is Tailgating in Cybersecurity & How to Prevent It
References
