Difference between Static and Dynamic IP address
Last Updated : 12 Jul, 2025
As you discuss connectivity of devices to the internet, or communication within a
network, an IP address is taken as a basic understanding. There are two main types
of IP addresses: Static and Dynamic. The purpose of this article is to describe what
IP addresses are and the difference between static and dynamic IPs.
What is IP Address
IP stands for Internet Protocol. An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to
every device on a network. The difference between a Static and Dynamic IP
address lies in how long the assigned address remains the same. A Static IP
address is a fixed address that is manually assigned to a device for a long period of
time, where as a Dynamic IP address changes frequently, usually each time the
device is restarted, and is automatically assigned.
Difference Between Static and Dynamic Address
What is Static IP Address
A Static IP address is an IP address that does not changed frequently or constantly
it is reserved for a specific computer or device. This type of IP address does not
dynamically change with time, but will only change through an action done by the
user or the network administrator. Assigning Static IP address is common in
servers, network devices or any device that has to have a fixed address that can be
accessed from a distance.
How to Get a Static IP Address
In order to obtain a Static IP address there is a possibility of applying for it from
the Internet Service Provider (ISP). This may be accompanied with the extra
expense of getting the ISPs to provide static IP addresses since these often come
with an added cost. For those who have their own physical infrastructure of the
network, static IP addresses can be assigned in the settings through the device.
When Static IPs are Needed
Static IP addresses are especially important in cases where a device has to be
quickly found over the internet on a permanent basis.
Web Servers: A website must have one or more static IP addresses to be
assigned to the domain always point to the correct server.
Remote Access: Some of the devices that require a remote connection like the
CCTV cameras or a VPN are preferable to be as static as possible.
Hosting Servers: Game or email servers that are in constant use also need a
static IP so that the services running in the background remain undisturbed.
Secure Communications: Some devices that participate in secure
communications might require static IPs to make the link stable and reliable.
Advantages of Static IP Address
Stable Connection: A static IP address stays the same, so your device or
server always has the same address.
Easy Remote Access: It makes it easier to connect to your device or server
from anywhere because the address doesn’t change.
Website Hosting: If you're hosting a website or email server, a static IP
ensures it’s always found at the same address.
Better Security: It’s easier to set up security like firewalls for a device with a
static IP since the address is fixed.
Disadvantages of Static IP Address
Limited Number: There are fewer static IP addresses available, which can
make them harder to get, especially for large networks.
Higher Cost: Internet service providers (ISPs) often charge extra for static IP
addresses compared to dynamic ones.
Security Risks: Since the IP address is always the same, it could be easier for
hackers to target your device or server.
Manual Configuration: You need to set it up manually, and if something
goes wrong, troubleshooting can be more complicated.
What is Dynamic IP Address
A Dynamic IP address is an IP address which is changed from time to time. In
contrast to the static IP, an IPv6 address is obtained by DHCP server – (Dynamic
Host Configuration Protocol) automatically. In the DHCP, a host receives an
available IP address from the DHCP server for some period of time referred to as
the lease time and the IP address given to the host may change. Dynamic IPs are
more common for home and commercial appliances and other electronic devices
for which it is not necessary to have a fixed (static) IP address.
How to Get a Dynamic IP Address
Dynamic IP addresses are those that are assigned to you by the ISP on a random
and on a connecting basis. Dynamic IPs can be obtained without any specific
request or change as most of the ISP’s offer them by default. Whenever one
launches a connection to some web, automatically the DHCP server doles out an
IP address from a series of IP addresses.
Advantages of Dynamic IP Address
More Available and Cheaper: Since there are more dynamic IPs and they
cost less, they are more economical than static ones.
Better Security: Dynamic IPs change each time you connect, making it harder
for hackers to target your device.
Easy to Use: You don’t have to worry about managing or setting up the IP,
which makes it great for home use or people who aren't tech-savvy.
Disadvantages of Dynamic IP Address
Not Reliable for Some Services: Services like VPNs, VoIP (Voice over IP),
and online gaming can be less reliable due to possible disruptions when the IP
changes.
Harder to Track Location: It’s more difficult for geolocation services to
pinpoint your exact location because your IP keeps changing.
Risk of Downtime: If something goes wrong with the network (e.g., the
DHCP server fails), your connection could be down for a while.
Challenges for Businesses: Companies using dynamic IPs may need to find
ways to provide secure access for remote workers, as the IP changes often.
Difference between Static and Dynamic IP Address
Static IP Address Dynamic IP Address
While it is provided by DHCP
It is provided by ISP(Internet Service
(Dynamic Host Configuration
Provider).
Protocol).
Static IP address does not change any time,
While dynamic IP address
it means if a static IP address is provided
change any time.
then it can't be changed or modified.
Static IP Address Dynamic IP Address
While in dynamic IP address,
Static IP address is less secure. there is low amount of risk than
static IP address's risk.
While dynamic IP address is easy
Static IP address is difficult to designate.
to designate.
But the device designed by
The device designed by static IP address can
dynamic IP address can't be
be traced.
traced.
Static IP address is more stable than While dynamic IP address is less
dynamic IP address. stable than static IP address.
While the maintaining cost of
The cost to maintain the static IP address is
dynamic IP address is less than
higher than dynamic IP address.
static IP address.
While it is used where data is
It is used where computational data is less
more confidential and needs
confidential.
more security.
While dynamic IP increases the
Simplifies the troubleshooting as the IP is
complexity of diagnosing the
always the same.
network issues.
