Dynamic vs Static IP Addresses: A quick overview

In today’s interconnected world, the term “IP Address” is ubiquitous, as most electronic devices now come equipped with some form of internet access. But what exactly is an IP address? The “IP” stands for Internet Protocol, and the address refers to the unique label assigned to each device connected to a network that uses this protocol for communication. This article delves into the two main types of IP addresses: dynamic and static. It explores their characteristics, benefits, and use cases, providing a comprehensive understanding of how they function and their importance in various network configurations.

For home networks, you are probably familiar with IPv4 addresses, which are a 32-bit numerical label, individually assigned to every device connected to the network that utilises Internet Protocol for comms. You’re probably familiar with the address range of 192.168.x.x, as this is the common local network Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) address range… but have you ever noticed that the IP addresses can change? That’s because they’re dynamic.

Dynamic IP Address

A dynamic IP address is one which can occasionally change, but it doesn’t have to change all the time. Modern routers are usually left on all the time at home, meaning that the assigned IP addresses never really change, thus we don’t notice it. However, if you disconnect and reboot your router, you may find that the connected equipment does not have the same IP address assigned as before. This isn’t a problem because DHCP handles all of this for us, and every connected device is assigned a unique address by the router, and it logs every address. For home and private networks, this is ideal as it doesn’t require any user configuration.

Static IP Address

But what if we need to fix a device to a specific address for security or remote access purposes… this is where static IP addresses come in!

A static IP address is a permanently assigned address to a device, which will never change (unless done manually). In basic terms, this means that if you had a static IP address assigned to a device and then restarted your network, the device will ALWAYS go back to the same address.

Static IP addresses are great for things like setting up file servers and domains, remote access and port forwarding on networks… but how does this actually help us?

Remote access systems often utilise static IP addresses such as a VPN. This means that specific IP addresses can then be allowed access to the server or network and also be assigned certain privileges within them. This is ideal for commercial and fleet vessels that rely on remote monitoring and access to their networks as they can limit access to certain devices, meaning greater control over both access and security, whilst keeping network and VPN traffic low.

Understanding the potential issue

However, there is one thing that I must stress when it comes to static and network IP address configuration… only adjust these settings if you understand what you’re changing and feel confident in doing so. When we introduce static IP addresses and things like subnets and masks, it’s very easy to get the device into a state where it’s not accessible from any other system. Also, please be sure to make note of your IP address that’s being assigned. Some systems require the static address to be assigned via the router, however, other devices (such as our PRO Products with Ethernet access) allow the static address to be set in the device.

If a static address is set to a PRO-NDC-1E2K for example, then the DHCP settings are overruled, and it will not automatically be assigned a random 32-bit name when connected to a router again. If it is kept on 192.168.x.x then this isn’t too much of a drama, however, if the device is moved to a 10.x.x.x address for example, then the PC and device need to both have access to this address range to reach the PRO-NDC-1E2K.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the benefits of setting a static IP to the average user aren’t really worth it, and leaving your network on DHCP with dynamic addresses is fine. Sure, for increased security and control then use static IP addresses to limit access, but please make sure you note the IP address and can always access it either remotely or via the local PC.